"After having lived an intense career with its highs and lows, the time has come to say goodbye,"
"I gave everything with passion and I regret nothing."
"Everyone will remember his headed goal that allowed us to beat Belgium and qualify for the final. I also recall his partnership with Raphael, his defensive solidity, his fighting spirit. His knee was already causing him pain, yet he held on with exemplary courage until the very end."
"Few people know how hard I tried, but my body could not keep up."
Samuel Umtiti has retired from professional football at 31 after persistent knee injuries prevented a comeback following his departure from Lille. He won the 2018 World Cup with France, scoring the semifinal winner against Belgium, and earned 31 caps, including Euro 2016. His club honours include two LaLiga titles and three Copa del Rey trophies with Barcelona and a 2012 French Cup with Lyon. France coach Didier Deschamps praised his defensive partnership, solidity and courage despite knee pain. Umtiti said he gave everything with passion and regretted nothing, and acknowledged that his body could not keep up despite efforts to return at Lille.
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