Come on in and join the club! Get our daily Manchester United email newsletter Sign me up! Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Memphis Depay's father has begged his son to heal the 17-year rift that divides them.

The Manchester United star refuses to use his surname on his shirt such is the bitter nature of their frayed relationship.

The 21-year-old has always claimed that his father left him and his family at the age of four.

But his father Dennis contends that version of events and has begged his son for forgiveness.

"Saying that I didn’t see him after he was four is a lie," he told the Sun. "It is unbelievable, it is not nice. He is my son and I love him. I am the man who gave him his first ball.

Swansea vs Manchester United: Best pictures

“He was not abandoned by me. That is not true. I was always there for him.

“I saw him on YouTube talking about his dad, saying he didn’t want to put my name on his back. It made me feel terrible.

“I would love to be back in touch with him. I miss him so much.”

Speaking when he signed Depay explained more about his background and the decision with his shirt.

"Those things are a part of my life. It is not a part of football. It is a different thing. I have a life next to football," he told the BBC.

"I have been through little situations. That makes me strong. I enjoy my tattoos, as you can see. I am the person I am. Everybody has to respect that."

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now