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Shelved at FC Barcelona after long periods of injury since his crowning as world champion with the Blues in 2018, Samuel Umtiti has kept a hell of a mental. Despite his four years of struggle in Catalonia, the 29-year-old central defender is gradually returning to the fore in Italy, in his new club of Lecce. Arrived at the promoted on August 25, the 29-year-old defender waited until October 9 and a duel against Roma (1-2) to make his debut, before performing more and more successful performances.
Samuel Umtiti facing racism
Indeed, Big Sam has started the year 2023 in the best way. Against Lazio, for the first game of the new year, the central defender delivered a very solid performance in his team’s victory (2-1), which recalled his best moments when he arrived in Barcelona. A great performance that did not prevent him from being confronted with racist chants from some controversial Lazio supporters.
A difficult moment for the player trained at OL, who left the lawn of the Via del Mare stadium in tears, accompanied by its president Angelo Sticchi Damiani, who will ensure that “Samuel reacted like a true champion”. But it was his fine performance that was especially hailed by the local press. “Dominant in marking and in anticipation. He responds with the character of a world champion to these racist remarks.wrote The Gazzetta dello Sportwho elected him man of the match of the match.
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A successful bet
And since then, Samuel Umtiti confirms with the Salentini. Against La Spezia (0-0) and against AC Milan (2-2), the former Olympique Lyonnais player was solid in the duels and diligent in the recovery to avoid defeat for his team. It was also the first time that Big Sam had played three complete matches since 2018. Because after his coronation in Russia with the Blues, he was injured for a total of 452 days and only played one match last season against Osasuna , in La Liga (2-2).
While his physical condition was worrying before his signing, Samuel Umtiti seems, in any case, to adapt well to Serie A, a Championship he judges “more physical and more tactical”. “At this time in my life, it was important to find playing time, to feel appreciated and to achieve my goals set with Lecce, he assured during his presentation. Lecce was the best solution, the conditions are optimal to regain confidence. My return took time, because I wanted to come back in the best shape possible. I’m adapting to a new way of playing.”.
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Currently 13th in Serie A, Lecce is on track to stay in Serie A and can count on Umtiti, finally spared from injury, despite a slight back alert, last November. “He was able to focus on himself, bide his time and regain an excellent level after four difficult years thanks to hard work. We gave him back the feeling of being an important player., said Marco Baroni, his coach, this week. But for his part, Samuel Umtiti must already prepare his future, because he still belongs to Barca and will return to Catalonia at the end of the season. Lecce did not obtain a purchase option.
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