Samuel Umtiti strongly about his stay in Barcelona. ‘I spent four years in prison’

The multiple representative of France was optimistic about continuing his career in the “Pride of Catalonia” after a successful period spent in his home team Olympique Lyon.

The centre-back could have enjoyed his first two seasons at the Camp Nou. The next four were a nightmare for him due to renewing injuries and then being sidelined, which did not bring the expected result in the form of a definitive end to the cooperation.

It was only last summer that Barcelona representatives managed to temporarily get rid of Samuel Umtiti by sending him on loan to US Lecce.

Samuel Umtiti feels very comfortable in the structures of the Italian club and is focused on winning the maintenance with him. At the same time, he does not forget what happened to him in the “Pride of Catalonia”

– All I needed was to feel appreciated, useful and respected. In Catalonia, I spent four years in prison: not only in sports, but also in everyday life – he admitted in an interview with Canal+

“In the beginning, after moving to Spain, I felt appreciated and played at a good level. Then I started to feel distrust, I felt bad and I realized that no one believed in me anymore.

In this situation, the defender is not too inclined to return to Barcelona, ​​with whom he has a valid contract until June 30, 2026, and has suggested taking the direction of a summer transfer.

“Right now, I’m just thinking about avoiding relegation. However, some time ago my friend Lacazette came to see me in Via del Mare. We thought it would be good to play together a bit more before we retire,” said Umtiti, who could meet the compatriot at Olympique Lyonnais, where he returned from Arsenal last summer.

The 29-year-old footballer appeared in 23 matches for the newly promoted Serie A. Two rounds before the end of the season, he has three points advantage over the relegation zone with him.