Former French defender Samuel Umtiti, the 2018 World Cup winner, has retired from football.
The 31-year-old Umtiti, who helped Barcelona win two La Liga titles and three Copa del Rey Trophy, has lost the club since leaving the Ligue 1 team’s reel at the end of last season.
“After a fierce career at highs and lows, it’s time to say goodbye,” Umtiti said on her Instagram account Monday. “I give everything with passion and I have no regrets about anything.”
Umtiti played 31 times in France and participated in the 2016 Home European Championship. He scored four goals, including the winner in Belgium’s 1-0 loss in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
“Sam, who joined the 2016 Euro French national team, played a key role in conquering the World Cup title in Russia,” said French coach Didier Deschamps.
“Everyone remembers the goal of his head that allowed him to beat Belgium and compete in the finals. I also remember his defensive solidity, his partnership with his spirit of fighting.
He is the fifth World Cup winner of 2018, after Blaze Matuidi, Adil Rami, Rafael Valley and Steve Mandanda.
Umtiti began his professional career at Boyhood Club Lyon, winning the 2012 French Cup. However, in recent years he has struggled with injuries and has only appeared on the reel a few times.
“I tried everything on the reel and made a comeback,” he said. “Leah, few people know how hard I worked, but my body couldn’t keep up.”
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