French defender Samuel Umtiti has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age 31.
The former Barcelona and France International leaves the game decorated with both domestic and international silverware, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Umtiti begins his career at Lyon before sealing sealing a move to Barcelona in 2016, where he enjoined immediate success, making 133 appearances for club, winning two LaLiga titles and three Copa del Rey trophies.
His calm presence, ball-playing ability, and crucial defensive contributions made him one of the Europe’s most reliable centre-backs during his prime.
Umtiti, whose career was hampered by chronic cartilage problems in his knee, last played for Ligue 1 club Lille.
“After an intense career with ups and downs, the time has come to say goodbye…I gave it my ALL with passion and I have NO regrets”, Umtiti posted on social media late on Monday.
“I would like to thank all the club’s, presidents, coaches, and players I have had the privilege of working with”, added the defender, who score the winner for France 2018 World Cup semi-final against Belgium.
Umtiti’s legacy remains intact, as his iconic headed goal against Belgium in 2018 World Cup semi-final remains one of the defining moments of his career, forever cementing his place in French football history.
-9News Nigeria.
