World Cup winner Samuel Umtiti announces retirement

Former France defender Samuel Umtiti has retired from football at the age of 31.

The 2018 World Cup winner, who scored the semi-final winner against Belgium, confirmed his decision in an Instagram post. “After an intense career with ups and downs, the time has come to say goodbye… I gave EVERYTHING with passion and I regret NOTHING,” Umtiti wrote.

Born in Cameroon and raised in Lyon, Umtiti won two La Liga titles and three Copa del Rey trophies with Barcelona after joining from Lyon in 2016. His later career was hampered by injuries, including during short spells at Lecce and Lille.

(Source: AFP)