Former Barcelona captain reveals internal tensions that destroyed his career – ‘We weren’t in agreement with the club’ | OneFootball

Samuel Umtiti has once again opened up about the long and painful chapter that overshadowed what once looked like a world-class career at Barcelona. 

Now retired at just 32, the former French defender appeared on RMC’s Generation After programme and reflected on the knee issues, emotional strain and disagreements with the club. 

His story remains one of the most heartbreaking reminders of how quickly a player’s rise can turn into a struggle for survival.

Umtiti’s struggle with injuries

Umtiti explained that everything started to unravel shortly after France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, a tournament in which he played a decisive role despite the discomfort that was already troubling him. 

He revealed that he needed time to understand what was happening inside his body and wanted clarity before choosing a treatment path. 

As he put it, Barcelona’s recommendation was not aligned with what he believed was best for his health.

“I sought other opinions, I asked for additional consultations… and almost all the specialists told me that I did not need surgery.”

Umitit struggled for fitness at Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The following seasons were defined by constant setbacks, limited game time and a growing disconnect between the player and the club. 

Umtiti admitted that the situation weighed heavily on him, both physically and mentally.  

“After the World Cup, I wanted to take some time to find out exactly what I had and make the right decisions about my treatment. 

“We weren’t necessarily in agreement with the club, so I decided to look elsewhere, to see specialists, so that everyone could give me their opinion. 

“Most of them told me that I didn’t need to have surgery. In the end, Barcelona listened to my choice, to what I wanted.”

Frustration from within

He then reflected on how internal frustrations created a climate where he felt unfairly judged by people who didn’t know the full story.

“But I think there were things that happened internally that people didn’t necessarily appreciate, whereas I have enormous respect for everyone. 

“Just because I’m not doing my rehabilitation with you doesn’t mean I don’t love you. 

“No, it’s just that I had decided on something else because what you offered me didn’t work out. 

“But ultimately, from that moment on, I think the rift was created, and people started talking, saying things that weren’t necessarily true, putting all the blame on me. 

“The most important thing for me was to come back.”

Umtiti also described the exhausting cycle of trying to follow medical advice, only to see no improvement. 

He talked about how he reshaped his lifestyle to combat the inflammation in his knee.

 “I tried to do things the way the club wanted, but it didn’t work; my knee was always swollen. I decided to do things differently, but I still followed the advice I was given because I’m not a doctor. 

“I also read books about the problem I had, I stopped eating meat and fish, and I followed an incredible diet that helped me get rid of the inflammation. 

“My inflammation was so severe that I had to change my diet. Some people didn’t necessarily do what they should have done, and for me, when you’re a professional, you can’t be that incompetent. 

“I had a lot of resentment before, but I’ve done a lot of work and I don’t hold a grudge against anyone. I’m at peace with all of that,” he explained.

On Griezmann’s struggles at Barcelona

Antoine Griezmann had his fair share of hardships at Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Later in the interview, Umtiti shifted to the situation of Antoine Griezmann, who joined Barcelona in 2019 for €120 million but struggled to show the form many expected.

“Honestly, it’s a difficult question to answer. I know him well, but it’s better not to talk about certain things.”

He continued by highlighting the qualities that should have allowed Griezmann to thrive.

“I think everything should have worked out because Antoine is an intelligent player; he always works for the team. He had every chance to succeed.”

Finally, he suggested that external circumstances may have played a part in the forward’s struggles at the Camp Nou.

“The reasons could be related to the environment, coaches, and other factors,” he said.