Loaned by FC Barcelona to Lecce during the 2022 summer transfer window, Samuel Umtiti finds colors on the other side of the Alps. With the formation based in Puglia, sixteenth in the standings and in the fight not to go down to the second division, the French central defender has played 23 Serie A games since the start of the 2022-2023 season, including 22 starts. Enough to regain confidence after very complicated last months with the Blaugrana, joined during the summer of 2016 for an amount of 25 million euros. https://youtu.be/VL9gTYFTssI
“Four years of trouble”
While waiting to find out if the Italian leaders will definitely retain his services, the former member of Olympique Lyonnais banged his fist on the table. In an interview given to Canal Plusthe 2018 world champion released sensational statements against the 2023 Spanish champion. “I’m doing very well. I’m happy after these four years of hardship. I managed to find a smile and a taste for playing (…) For people who didn’t believe in me, it was the season of the last chance.”
“Complicated and difficult at all levels”
Not spared by physical worries on the other side of the Pyrenees, the 29-year-old has so far made 133 appearances with Barça, for 2 goals. The Habs admit to being at the worst time with the Barça jersey. “I don’t know if it was depression. It was complicated and difficult at all levels. I locked myself in a lot with my loved ones. At times, I didn’t want to go out. My friends came to see me to get changed ideas, but I wanted to be alone. It was very complicated.”