It’s not every day that you hear Barcelona players talk poorly about the club, but there are cases. The latest one is Samuel Umtiti, the 2018 World Champion, who is now rebuilding his career after years of what he referred to as “prison” in Catalonia.He joined Barca from Lyon for $27 million back in 2016 and went on to make 133 appearances for the club, helping to win two La Liga titles and three Copa del Reys. But after years of solid contributions he suffered a serious knee injury and then found himself unwanted by the Spanish giants.Gaspo reverse decision to boycott final game of the season against Vihiga QueensEven though the 29-year-old French defender is still officially under contract with Barca, he couldn’t keep quiet when quizzed by French outlet Canal+ about his season on loan at Lecce.”I only wanted to feel appreciated, useful and respected. I spent four years in Catalonia as in prison, both in terms of sport and life.”This season, Umtiti played 23 times for Lecce in Serie A and caught a bit of rhythm that made him one of the most sought-after defenders over the last decade.”At first, after I went to Spain, it felt good playing at a high level. But shortly, I started to sense mistrust at Barcelona. By the end of my time there, nobody believed in me anymore. That’s why moving to Italy was bliss. Here in Salento, I found my smile again. I’m grateful to Lecce for it. Here, I love the language, the food, the fashion, everything.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7284275##For the time being, Umtiti wants to stay in Italy and help Lecce to Serie A survival, although his good friend Alexandre Lacazette has different ideas for him.”My only goal is avoiding relegation. Some time ago, Lacazette came to see me here and told me we should play at Lyon together again.”Umtiti has three more years on his contract at Barcelona. The Catalan club allowed him to move to Italy on loan virtually at zero cost but will look to recoup some money if the big Frenchman is to move again. Xavi has Ronald Arajujo, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen all ahead of Umtiti in the centre-back pecking offer, so returning to Barca only to sit on the bench isn’t an option.Who knows, maybe Lacazette’s wish will come true. After all, the former Arsenal captain in just one of the guys who returned to Lyon: Corentin Tolisso and Dejan Lovren are also back.Samuel Umtiti “aimerait vraiment” rejouer avec Alexandre Lacazette avant la fin de sa carrière. pic.twitter.com/4k9jxhi606— Stop These Gones (@StopTheseGones2) May 22, 2023 For the time being, Laca is just happy to see his buddy fit and happy again.”It would be a dream to have him back at Lyon. He proved that his body can still cope with playing at the highest level. I’m not sure who should I talk to regarding Umtiti’s return, but we can try!”Catalan press suggests “Big Sam” will play either in France or Italy next season.
