It is an important page that turns for French football. Samuel Umtiti, one of the artisans of the Blues' victory in the 2018 World Cup, announced his retirement at only 31 years old. The defender trained in Olympique Lyonnais has marked the spirits by his career but also by his talent and his endearing personality.
After the announcement of the player's retirement, Didier Deschamps wanted to salute his career and pay him a vibrant tribute to a press release published on the site of the French Football Federation: ” After Blaise Matuidi, Adil Rami, Raphaël Varane and Steve Mandanda, Samuel Umtiti is the fifth 2018 world champion to retire. »»
“” 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 was already suffering and he hung on with exemplary courage to the end ”,
he added.
Didier Deschamps would have hoped ” an end of career different ”for Samuel Umtiti
Passed by Olympique Lyonnais, FC Barcelona, Lecce and Lille, Samuel Umtiti has had a busy career. Finalist of Euro 2016, 2018 world champion, winner twice from La Liga and three times from the King's Cup, without forgetting a champions trophy won with OL, the player has a trophy wardrobe which can make more than one blush.
But the player has also experienced difficult times, such as a knee injury that has slowed down his epic. “” 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 “Said the coach of the Blues, recalling the courage and determination of his former defender.
