World champion Samuel Umtiti has sharply criticized his club FC Barcelona. The Frenchman, who is currently on loan from the Catalans to Italian top-flight club US Lecce, complained Canal+ about the way he was last seen at Barça.
Umtiti said of the last few years at Barcelona: “All I wanted was to feel valued, useful and respected. But in Catalonia I was in prison for four years. Not only in a sporting sense but also in everyday life.”
Umtiti switched from Olympique Lyon to Blaugrana in 2016 for 25 million euros and initially also played the role of a top performer there. After winning the 2018 World Cup with France, however, he had increasing injury problems and, even after his recovery, hardly got a chance. Several attempts by the club to sell Umtiti and get his lavish salary off the payroll failed.
Umtiti is on loan to Lecce until the end of this season. He is then under contract in Barcelona until 2026. His future there is not only in question because of the recent statements.
The 29-year-old centre-back has made 23 appearances for Lecce this season. The newly promoted side is 16th in Serie A with two games to go and three points clear of a relegation zone.
