Samuel Umtiti: “We Want to Be in the New Stadium, But Careers Are Personal Too”
Olympique Lyonnais defender Samuel Umtiti has expressed his desire to be part of the team that inaugurates OL’s new stadium, set to open ahead of Euro 2016, but remains uncertain about his future with the club.
Speaking to Le Progrès, Umtiti acknowledged both the collective dream and the individual reality facing many of Lyon’s homegrown talents:
“We want to be in this stadium. We’ve had a good squad for several years. It would be huge to all be there for the first match, to go in together. It’s a challenge for our squad, but a career is personal too. We have friends, buddies, but we also have to make choices, and everyone will make their own.”
With Real Madrid reportedly showing interest in the 21-year-old, Umtiti is keeping his options open, even as he helps OL chase a Champions League spot this season.
“We’re already fighting so that OL can play in the Champions League again,” he added.
Jean-Michel Aulas hopes to see the club’s academy core shine in the new stadium, but interest from Europe’s elite may test Lyon’s resolve to keep its stars.
