A former French youth international, Aymeric Laporte is now one of Spain’s key players.
Born in Agen, Aymeric Laporte will experience a very special semi-final against the French team on Tuesday evening. The central defender learned all his trade in France, with Su Agen then Aviron Bayonnais before really blossoming in the Pyrenees to sign for Athletic Bilbao before signing for Manchester City then, recently, for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Despite 51 appearances in the youth team of the French team, he chose to represent the Roja. Called up twice by Didier Deschamps, he has, in fact, not played a single minute with the Tricolores jersey (in A, the youth teams do not count in this total).Of course, I don’t think it’s because of a sporting problem. I could be world champion, but these are the decisions of the coach, who doesn’t call me for personal reasons, I think, and I have to respect that.” he had said, very annoyed at the time.
“At that time, I made the decision to play for the Spanish national team. I was convinced, both by the coach and by the philosophy of the country, with which I feel in tune. I feel much more identified with the Spanish, and the Spanish return the affection that I felt for them at the time, and that I still feel today.” explained a now appeased Aymeric Laporte At daily sport in 2022.