Samuel Umtiti says his time at Barcelona was marked by deep personal struggle, admitting he felt isolated as injuries derailed his career at the club.
The French defender, who was born in Yaounde, Cameroon, reflected on how recurring fitness problems left him emotionally withdrawn during his spell in Catalonia.
Umtiti, who retired earlier this year, explained that the physical setbacks gradually took a toll beyond the pitch, affecting both his confidence and sense of belonging.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former France international said: “In Barcelona, I felt very alone. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. Meanwhile, injuries were constantly affecting me, and I was playing very little.
“If you’re not emotionally well, your body can’t perform at its best, and that affects your performance,” Umtiti said, highlighting the pressures players face inside major clubs.
“It’s crucial that footballers receive the necessary support because we’re often thrown into a world that’s enormous and difficult to manage.
“It’s important to have the courage to admit when you’re not feeling well, to say it out loud.
After leaving Barcelona, Umtiti joined Lecce in 2022, a move that marked an emotional turning point in his career.
He recalled being overwhelmed by emotion when greeted by supporters on arrival, breaking down in tears before finalising his signing.
“I’m not a very talkative person; my heart speaks louder than my mouth,” Umtiti explained.
“Perhaps those tears came straight from my heart,” he added, describing the relief of feeling understood after a difficult period.
Umtiti said his time at Lecce restored his sense of belonging, crediting the club’s leadership and supporters for offering genuine warmth.
“I needed genuine love, and I found it from the very first moment in Lecce,” he said, recalling assurances from sporting director Pantaleo Corvino.
The former World Cup winner concluded that the bond formed in southern Italy helped him rediscover joy in football, closing a challenging chapter with renewed perspective.
