Samuel Umtiti, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, has announced his retirement as a player at the age of 31 after struggling with persistent knee injuries.

Umtiti, who also helped Barcelona win two LaLiga titles and three Copa del Rey trophies, has been without a club since he left Ligue 1 team Lille at the end of last season.

"After having lived an intense career with its highs and lows, the time has come to say goodbye," Umtiti said in a post on Instagram on Monday. "I gave everything with passion and I regret nothing."

Umtiti played 31 times for France, and took part in the 2016 home European Championship. He scored four goals, including the winner in the 1-0 win over Belgium in the 2018 World Cup semifinal.

"Sam, who joined the French national team for Euro 2016,

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