Former Barcelona and France international Samuel Umtiti announced today that he has ended his career.
Umtiti, who will turn 32 in November, started his career at Lyon and has also played for Barcelona, Lecce and Lille. He has had many injury problems, which has limited him to just 13 games in two years at Lille.
After his contract with Lille expired at the end of last season, Umtiti did not find a job.
"In Lille I tried everything to come back. Few people knew how hard I tried, but my body couldn't take it," he said.
"After an intense career with ups and downs, the time has come to say goodbye. I gave everything with passion and I regret nothing," Umtiti said on Instagram.
He won the French Cup and Super Cup with Lyon, and two league titles, three Copa del Reys and two Spanish Super Cups with Barcelona.
He played 2016 games for the French national team from 2019 to 31, scoring four goals and winning the 2018 World Cup.
He played for the French youth team, and won the World Cup with the under-20 team.
"Sam, who came into the French national team for the 2016 European Championship, played an important role in our campaign to the World Cup title in Russia. Everyone will remember his headed goal that allowed us to beat Belgium and reach the final," said France coach Didier Deschamps.
"I also remember his partnership with Rafael, his toughness in defense, his fighting spirit. His knee was already causing him pain, but he endured with exemplary courage until the very end," the coach added.
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