Samuel Umtiti says “Barcelona’s objective is the same as mine – to win, win and win” after being unveiled as a Cule on Friday.
Umtiti is the second French defender after Lucas Digne to join Barca this summer, the €22-year-old having arrived from Lyon for €25m in the wake of France’s Euro 2016 final defeat to Portugal, and he struggled to contain his excitement at the prospect of playing alongside his new teammates.
“I know that there are some very good players in my position. I know what awaits me, but I’ve set my objectives very high. I’m a competitor and I want to play,” he began.
“I prefer to keep [my objectives] to myself. At the end of the season, I’ll be able to take stock, but the people who know me well know what they are. Now I have to work and then we’ll see.
“I’m proud to have fulfilled a dream. There are great players at the club and I’m eager to play with them.
“It’ll be a special moment to see all these stars I’ve only seen on TV [in person].
“I hope to adapt as quickly as possible to show that I want to be part of this family.
“I’ve come to develop and learn a lot from my colleagues who have more experience than me. I’ll work hard to show that I have the qualities to help the club,
“I’m a player who likes to play out of the back with the ball. Barca’s objective is the same as mine – to win, win and win.
“I fit into this mentality because I’ve liked the club since I was a child.
“[Luis Enrique] has told me that he’s happy to have me. We can talk more calmly when we start training.
“Now I must show good things at Barca to be recalled [by France]. If I do well with Barca, I’ll certainly have more chances to play for France.”
