Samuel Umtiti open to staying at Barcelona for life – as long as he gets picked

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Samuel Umtiti says he would like to end his career at Barcelona, but the defender has admitted he needs regular game time.

Samuel Umtiti

The France international was linked with a move to Manchester United over the summer after losing his place at Barca while out with injury last season.

Umtiti, who played a key role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, has continued to struggle for fitness and starting opportunities this season under Ernesto Valverde.

The 26-year-old has made just four appearances in all competitions so far, although he has started Barcelona’s last three games alongside Gerard Pique.

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“You never know, it could happen, I don't know. I'd love it, I'd love to end my career here at Barca but I'm young, right," Umtiti told Sport at a Puma event.

"I have time and I have to play, play, play and win titles."

The centre-back joined Barca from Lyon for €25 million in the summer of 2016.

Umtiti played in all but one of France’s games during their World Cup triumph in Russia, scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 semi-final victory over Belgium.

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Alasdair Mackenzie

Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio.