Samuel Umtiti has opened up on his struggles at Barcelona in recent years while adding that he is keen on succeeding at the club and fulfill his contract.
In an interview with Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Samuel Umtiti has talked about his struggles over the last few years at Barcelona. The French defender has also stressed that he is keen on succeeding at Camp Nou and fulfill his contract with the Catalan giants.
Samuel Umtiti joined Barcelona from Lyon in the summer of 2016 and made an instant impression at the club. However, after a strong maiden campaign with the Blaugrana, his career has largely been on a downward spiral, with a spate of injuries hampering his progress and subsequently affecting his form adversely.
Indeed, over the last few years, and particularly since being a part of the triumphant 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign with France, Umtiti has spent more time on the sidelines than on the pitch. To date, the 27-year-old has made 132 appearances for Barcelona, chipping in with two goals and an assist along the way.
However, with his stock falling rapidly, Umtiti has become a bit-part player for Barcelona and is now right at the bottom of the pecking order for centre-backs. Now, though, the French defender has opened up on his ordeal at Barcelona, but has also added that he is determined to do well for the club.
Speaking on his struggles, Umtiti said, “Yes [the whistles hurt], a lot, honestly. I never thought this could happen to me in this club because I love it, I love this club. I do everything, everything, to be okay. I have had hard times due to injuries but in the end I do my job and this is the most important thing for me.”
“Work and train hard, and people don’t know it. [I would tell those who whistle] that I’m fine. That the most important thing is the club, helping the players, you have to help everyone. Whistling is useless. I will give everything for the club, as I have tried to do from day one. I don’t see myself playing at another club, no, impossible. Right now I have it very clear [in my mind].”
“I want to show that I have the level to play here. The most important thing is to get back and show everyone that Samu is okay. It is clear to me, the most important thing now is to play here because it is my club, I love this club. I want to succeed here, play, win with my team-mates, with the team. I see myself here, I’m waiting for that moment to play. I have to continue training, working and showing that I have a place.”
Umtiti was heavily linked with a move away from Barcelona in the summer, with the likes of Lyon, Zenit St Petersburg and Everton showing an interest in him. The 27-year-old, though, is clearly eager to prove himself at Camp Nou and it remains to be seen if he is handed any game-time to make his point on the pitch in the coming weeks and months.
