Samuel Umtiti renews with Barça for five more seasons

FC Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti signed a five-year contract extension with FC Barcelona on Monday, the club announced. His new buyout clause has been set at €500m.

The 24-year-old Frenchman made the signing official at Camp Nou on Monday morning, at a ceremony and press conference attended by Club President Josep Maria Bartomeu and a gaggle of local and international media.

“I’m very proud to renew with Barça,“ Umtiti said. “From my very first day here, I felt like I was at home, and now I want to stay here for much longer.“

“I’m very happy here,” he continued. “With the city and the team, I’ve earned everyone’s trust. I just couldn’t leave. This is my home.“

“My dream is to continue playing on the best team in the world. I’m very proud to renew.”

Umtiti also spoke about the relationships he has built with his teammates.

“Ever since I arrived, Gerard Piqué has helped me a lot to progress alongside him. We understand each other very well. It’s also great to be able to work alongside Leo Messi every day, as well as all of the team’s great players.“

Here are the highlights of what else Umtiti had to say at his press conference:

“My priority was to renew here with Barça.“

“This is my home and my dream is to continue playing for the best team in the world.“

“I never saw myself playing for any other team.”

“I want to play and win titles, which is the most important thing.“

“I want to be like [Andrés] Iniesta and win everything. He is an example to follow.“

“When I arrived here, I didn’t completely realize that I would be playing with the best.“

“Now I have had the opportunity to share extraordinary moments and I’m very excited to be able to stay here much longer.“

On his favorite Barça moment since arriving:

“The comeback against Paris St. Germain.“

On his least favorite Barça moment since arriving:

“The defeat against Roma.“

On this summer’s FIFA World Cup:

“Hard work yields results and now I have the chance to play in the World Cup.“

“Playing in the World Cup is a dream I’ve had ever since I was a kid, and the fact that I am playing in it is extraordinary.“