Aymeric Laporte explains his withdrawal from France's squad vs Spain
Aymeric Laporte, central defender of Manchester City, today contrasts his failure to join the French national team with his spectacular success in the Roja, while denouncing Didier Deschamps' management. Born in Agen, trained in France and boasting an XXL trophy cabinet, he nevertheless saw his three call‑ups between 2016 and 2019 result in no minutes of play.
A French career interrupted
The 32‑year‑old player was called up three times by the French national team, but the coach “did not count on me at all,” as he recalled in an interview. Despite an undisputed starter status at Manchester City, the A doors remained closed, prompting him to rethink his international future.
The switch to the Roja
In 2021, Laporte chose to change his sporting nationality, relying on his Spanish naturalisation obtained through his years at Athletic Bilbao’s academy (2010‑2018). He seized the outstretched hand of the Spanish federation and quickly joined the Roja, where he became a central pillar.
During an interview given to former Spanish defensive midfielder Mario Suárez on the YouTube channel El camino de Mario, he explained bluntly the reasons for this turn. “My whole family is French, but when you live a situation like mine, you have to rethink your way of thinking,” he said.
Aymeric Laporte cuts ties with Didier Deschamps
Reactions and criticism
The choice sparked intense media debate and criticism over his attachment to his native country. Laporte admitted that his parents were “not prepared for that,” highlighting the pain felt by his close ones.
On the sporting side, the change proved rewarding: he won the Nations League in 2023, the Euro in 2024 and the World Cup with Spain, thus amassing major trophies.
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Looking ahead
Today fully flourishing in Spain, he says he does not regret any of his choices. “Even if that weren’t the case, I would feel the same pride. My wife, my family and my children are from here. I feel very attached to Spain,” he concludes calmly, definitively closing the French chapter.