Why does Aymeric Laporte play for Spain instead of France? The Manchester City star has changed after feeling neglected by Didier Deschamps
Aymeric Laporte is part of Spain’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar this winter.
The Manchester City defender has become a regular at La Roja, earning 15 international caps under Luis Enrique so far.
Getty
Laporte will represent Spain in Qatar
Laporte will play in his first-ever World Cup after recovering from injury and returning to Premier League action.
Although the centre-back hasn’t always played for Spain. He made 51 appearances at youth level for France.
So why did he make the switch?
Why does Aymeric Laporte play for Spain?
Despite his experience playing for France Under-17 and Under-21, Laporte never made his debut for the senior team.
He was called up twice by coach Didier Deschamps but never played a minute and after his last inclusion in 2019 he was overlooked.
Frustrated with his limited chances for the Blues, the defender said: “Of course I don’t think it’s because of a sporting issue, you’d have to ask him [Deschamps] personally.
“I have nothing personal against him, but if anyone has a problem, it’s him and not me.
“I could be world champion but it’s the decisions of the coach, who doesn’t call me for, I think, personal reasons, and I have to respect that.”
AFP
Laporte scores one goal in 15 appearances for La Roja
In March 2021, Laporte was approached by Spain to move from France.
He was born in the French Basque Country and was eligible to play for La Roja after obtaining a Spanish passport.
Boss Enrique managed to convince the townsman to make the switch and two months after the initial approach he was granted Spanish citizenship.
Since switching to play for Spain he has received backlash but the decision appears to have paid off with World Cup appearances on the horizon.
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