Samuel umtiti came to FC Barcelona into it transfer market The summer of 2016 and soon became the best in the world for him. The French defender’s early seasons were so good that he was even compared to the legendary Carles Puyol. However, from 2018 onwards, the French central defender went from living in Eden to spending the worst hours in a kind of hell that he denies today. From Italy, where he deals with each other Lecce from Serie Athe former Lyon footballer has experienced hard times as a Barça player in recent years.
“All I needed was to feel appreciated, useful and respected. In Catalonia, I spent four years in prison, not only at the sporting level, but also in everyday life,” said the defending world champion in Russia in an interview with Canal + 2018.
And in this way he tried to clear his harsh opinion against Barcelona: “In the beginning, after going to Spain, I felt noticed and I did well. Then I started to feel mistrust, I felt bad and I realized that no one believed me anymore”.
Time has passed and now Umtiti insists he is happy in southern Italy, fighting with Lecce to avoid relegation in Serie B. “It was a challenge for me. I know very well that in these countries you are able to salute the patronage. It’s good that I found my smile again here and I’m grateful for that company.”
Umtiti is enjoying his time where he is once again leading the way and not making any plans. “Now we only think about avoiding relegation. A while ago my friend Lacazette came to me and we thought that, before we retire, it would be good to play a little more together.
His contract with Barça expires in 2026 and he does not seem at all to return after the end of his loan: “I want to feel good, I did it in Italy. I love the language, the food and the fashion.”
Samuel Umtiti was the world champion with France in Russia 2018.
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