Bayern Munich-signee Dayot Upamecano found solace on the soccer pitch while battling a stuttering issue in his youth

RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano will start a new chapter of his career in the summer when he officially moves to Bayern Munich.

The 22-year-old, however, will not forget about all of the experiences that helped mold who he is as a player that happened along the way — even the uncomfortable moments.

Upamecano recently recalled a period in his life when he was battling an issue with stuttering. The Frenchman indicated he was teased as a youngster because of his speech disorder.

Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images

“That wasn’t nice. A difficult time. Some classmates didn’t treat me particularly well and annoyed me,” said Upamecano to Sport1. “That’s why I spoke little at the time and tried that Don’t let yourself get too close to me. On the contrary: It has strengthened and shaped me, but not hurt. I knew: I can do other things better.”

During that period of his life, Upamecano found refuge on the soccer pitch.

“That’s right, I never had a problem with the language. Even back then I gave instructions to my teammates or motivated myself,” Upamecano stated. “I was a different person on the field, so I was radiant I showed my chest broadly. But if the game was over earlier, it turned back immediately. Then the stutter came back.”

Eventually, with the help of a speech therapist, Upamecano was able to work through his issue and improve his self confidence in the process.

“Between the ages of 10 and 13, I went there regularly. That helped me and also strengthened my self-confidence outside of the field,” said Upamecano.