Video: Umtiti given hero’s welcome on Lecce return

Former Lecce defender Samuel Umtiti was given a warm reception upon his return to the Stadio Via del Mare on Saturday afternoon, when his former club had to settle for a late draw against mid-table rivals Monza. 

Umtiti spent the 2022-23 season on loan with Lecce from Barcelona, before terminating his contract at Camp Nou in the summer. He would go on to join Ligue 1 side Lille as after a brief spell as a free agent. 

Though the 2018 World Cup winner only managed 25 appearances during his time in Serie A, he was commended for his efforts when he did make the line-up, and was seen as an important factor in Lecce’s survival last season. 

On Saturday, he was in attendance for Lecce’s 1-1 draw against Monza, which had been a 0-0 draw up until the 92nd minute. 

Umtiti walked out to the tune of Ramenez la Coupe à la Maison and clapped in response as supporters chanted his name before kick off.