WORLD CUP winner and former Barcelona star Samuel Umtiti is set to announce his retirement at the age of 31, according to reports.
The defender has been beset by injuries in recent years, leading him to play just 39 games across three clubs in the last four full seasons.
Samuel Umtiti is reportedly set to announce his retirementGetty
PA:Empics SportThe former Barcelona star has been hit by numerous injuries[/caption]
Splash NewsUmtiti scored France’s winner in the 2018 World Cup final[/caption]
GettyAnd he started the final before they were crowned world champions[/caption]
Umtiti had appeared to be finally getting his career back on track before a severe knee injury scuppered hopes of a resurrection.
And according to French outlet RMC Sport, just two months before he turns 32, Umtiti is now eyeing retirement.
Umtiti, who was a £21million signing by Barcelona, is a free agent after seeing his contract expire at Lille in the summer.
But RMC have claimed the 31-time France star was spotted at the training ground of Lyon on Friday.
A Lyon academy graduate, the report claims Umtiti asked club chiefs to record a personal video on the premises – which the club granted.
However, talk of a return to play for the club has been ruled out.
Instead, he is set to call time on his career as injuries continue to take their toll.
Despite his injury issues, Umtiti has enjoyed a glittering career for both club and country.
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He won La Liga twice with Barcelona, as well as collecting three Copa del Reys and two Supercopa de Espanas.
With Lyon he also won the Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions.
Meanwhile, at international level Umtiti was a key member of France’s 2018 World Cup winning team, including scoring the only goal in Les Bleus’ 1-0 win over Belgium and starting the final as they beat Croatia 4-2 to be crowned world champions a second time.
As a reward for his services, Umtiti was also awarded with the National Order of the Legion of Honour – which is the highest and most prestigious French national order of merit.
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