After he arrived in Italy, messages of support for the French centre-back have been pouring in.

Umtiti will play this season on loan at Serie A club Lecce until the end of the season. After he arrived in Italy, messages of support for the French centre-back have been pouring in, including one from Ansu Fati.

"Good luck Sam! Thanks for looking after me as your little brother, for all the advice and laughs together. I wish you all the best in this new stage, I'll miss you!!!" posted Barça's number '10' in an Instagram story.

Samuel Umtiti also posted a message on his Instagram account, thanking Barça fans. "I would also like to thank FC Barcelona and all its fans for the great years we have had together, I wish you all the best this season," the Frenchman said.