Former Barcelona defender opens up on difficult spell and painful exit – ‘I suffered from loneliness’ | OneFootball

Playing for big European clubs is a matter of pride for any player in world football. However, what is less known is the pressure and expectation that comes with it.

While many go on to embrace the responsibility and spotlight that come with playing for a big club, other players struggle to make the same adaptation and begin sinking.

In the case of Barcelona, Samuel Umtiti is one such example of a player who was expected to hit greatness but began sinking because of fitness issues and poor form.

Umtiti speaks on his struggles

Reflecting on his struggles, as quoted by AS, the former Barcelona defender revealed how his final months in Catalonia were anything but easy for him on a personal and psychological level.

“I suffered from loneliness. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. Meanwhile, I was injured and played very little.”

He then revealed how being mentally down affected his performances on the field, saying,

Umtiti struggled to stay fit throughout his time at Barcelona. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

“If you are not well psychologically, your body does not perform at its best and your performance suffers.”

Umtiti then opened up on the need to support players who are going through the same situation that he experienced, saying,

“We need to help football players, who are often catapulted into gigantic realities. You have to have the courage to say that you are not well.”

Towards the end of his interaction, the now-retired defender spoke out on the tears he shed at the airport after arriving to sign for Lecce.

“I’m a man of few words; my heart communicates better than my mouth. Perhaps those tears came straight from my heart.”

“I was coming from a difficult period; people didn’t understand me. I needed genuine love, and they showed it to me from the very first minute in Lecce,” he added.