Samuel Umtiti officially hung up the crampons on Monday. Weakened by numerous injuries over the years, the French central defender had attempted a final challenge to LOSC, whom he decided to stop at the start of the season.
Tributes have multiplied to greet the career of “Big Sam”. The coach of the Blues, Didier Deschamps, also sent a few words to his former protégé on the official website of the French Football Federation.
“Exemplary courage”
“After Blaise Matuidi, Adil Rami, Raphaël Varane and Steve Mandanda, Samuel Umtiti is the fifth 2018 world champion to retire”said the Bayonnais.
“Sam, who had joined the French team for Euro 2016, played an important role in our conquest of the world title in Russia. Everyone will remember their head goal which allowed us to beat Belgium and qualify for the final. »»
“For my part, I obviously do not want to forget everything else. I also retain his complementarity with Raphaël, his defensive solidity, his fighting spirit. His knee already made him suffer and he hung on with exemplary courage until the end. He deserved a different end of career but he can be proud of everything he has accomplished. I wish him to be happy and fulfilled in the new life that opens up to him ”concluded DD.
