After completing formalities on Friday and officially becoming a player of "Barcelona," Samuel Umtiti promised to do everything to earn the trust of the coach and his new teammates.
The 22-year-old Frenchman born in Cameroon was acquired by the Catalan club for 25 million euros from the "Olympique" team in Lyon.
"The sum of the deal is as we specified - 25 million without any additional payments. The French team did not want to part ways with Samuel, but we found common ground," said "Barcelona's" professional sports director Albert Soleras at a press conference.
The new player of the Catalan club himself revealed that he "likely got very lucky" to have the opportunity to wear "Barca's" jersey.
"I am a simple guy. I do not stand out in any way, work hard in training, and avoid conflicts. The club's internal rules are the most important thing to me. I know that playing at 'Barca' is a real achievement, and not every player adapts here, so I have to prove something. To myself, to the coach, and to my teammates," said the player.
According to the leaders of "Barcelona," the agreement with "Olympique" for the acquisition of S. Umtiti was reached before the start of the European Championship, but it was officially announced only after the end of the continental competition.
"Eric Abidal told me a lot about 'Barca,' and then I talked to head coach Luis Enrique. He was satisfied when he found out that I would be joining the team. I played in the European Championship, but that is not a proof of my abilities, I have to improve. I do not like to talk about the season's goals before it starts, we will discuss them at the end of the season," said S. Umtiti.
At the press conference, A. Soleras also confirmed that next week, the contract as a main team member in the defensive midfielder position will be signed by Sergi Samper, a graduate of the youth academy of the Catalan club.
fcbarcelona.lt
