Dutch forward Memphis Depay was welcomed as a star on Wednesday at São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport by Corinthians fans, during a challenging time as the team fights to avoid relegation.

Depay arrived in the early morning at a private terminal and approached a fence to greet, take photos with, and sign autographs for a group of excited fans.

The 30-year-old, who has recently finished his time with Atlético Madrid, is now without a team and has signed a contract with Corinthians for two and a half seasons, until the end of 2026.

Corinthians fans began gathering at one of the exit doors of Terminal 3 from the early hours of Wednesday morning.

They awaited him with their voices tuned and a full repertoire of chants from one of Brazil's most traditional clubs.

"I hope he becomes a top scorer, helps our team, which is going through a tough phase, and saves us from relegation," Marcelo dos Santos, a 25-year-old nurse who followed his new idol’s flight minute by minute on his cellphone, told EFE.

"We’re going to win everything now," he added, brimming with confidence.

However, the fans had to move to the private terminal, about two kilometers away, when they learned that the former FC Barcelona, Manchester United, and Olympique Lyon player would be landing on a private jet.

Some gave up, but Depay still received a warm welcome from the most enthusiastic fans, some of whom came directly from work and stayed up all night.

"The expectation is high. It’s a great reinforcement for the team. I’m eager to see him on the field," said Antonio Marcos, a 29-year-old IT analyst who is often mistaken for the Dutch striker due to their resemblance.

Depay will meet his new teammates on Wednesday and then head to the Neo Química Arena to watch the second leg of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals, where Corinthians must overturn a 2-1 deficit from their match against Juventude.

The São Paulo squad is currently in a delicate institutional and sporting situation.

They are in the relegation zone of the Brazilian league, with 25 points from 25 matches and only five wins.

However, they remain in the Copa do Brasil and the Copa Sudamericana, where they will face fellow Brazilians Fortaleza in the quarterfinals later this month, match you can watch live and exclusively on beIN SPORTS.