Felt Like 4 Years in Prison at Barcelona – France Star Rejoices After Leaving Xavi’s Side
Samuel Umtiti, the French international, recently opened up about his time at Barcelona, describing it as akin to being imprisoned for four years.
Umtiti joined Barcelona in 2016 with high expectations, but he struggled to meet them and eventually found himself on loan at Lecce, a newly promoted team in Serie A fighting to avoid relegation.
The decision to move to the Italian team was not just about his career; it was also a personal quest for redemption.
Speaking to Canal+, Umtiti expressed his feelings of confinement both on and off the pitch during his tenure at Barcelona.
He said, “It felt like four years of being imprisoned at Barcelona, not just on a sporting level, but in my everyday life too. I was really in a bad way, I preferred to stay out of everyone’s way.” Initially, he performed well and felt good, but he began to sense a lack of confidence in him and realized that he was no longer believed in.
Umtiti explained that his move to Lecce was a challenge he embraced, as he needed to feel valued, respected, and useful. He acknowledged that fighting to avoid relegation is a far cry from the pursuit of titles, which is the norm at Barcelona.
However, for him, it was an opportunity to regain his confidence and rediscover his love for the game.
The transition from one club to another was not solely a sporting decision for Umtiti; it was a chance to break free from the constraints he experienced in Barcelona.
He longed for appreciation and the chance to prove himself once again. Moving to Lecce provided him with a different perspective and an opportunity to rebuild his career and personal well-being.
Umtiti’s candid remarks shed light on the challenges faced by athletes both on and off the field. His experience serves as a reminder that even in the glamorous world of professional football, individuals can face personal struggles and setbacks.
