Aymeric Laporte is currently plying his trade for Spain at the Euros 2020. However, he has plied his trade for the U-17 and U21 youth teams of France. Despite his consistent performance, he was often ignored by the France national team head coach Didier Deschamps.
He received his first call up to the French side in 2018 but had to withdraw himself from action due to injury concerns. After a lot of disappointments, Laporte decided to switch allegiances and play for Spain ahead of the start of the Euros.
His move to join Spain invited criticism from Didier Deschamps. The French boss said at the start of the month that he received no warning from Laporte. “What makes me uncomfortable is what he might say, and that’s a lie. The only message I received from him was in October about a situation regarding an injury. He hasn’t played for us? It could’ve happened, ten seconds would’ve been enough.”
Sharing his side of the story Laporte gave an interview to the Guardian. There he shared how Deschamps did not reply to his messages.
The Manchester City defender revealed that he had already told the French camp six years ago about Spain’s interest in him. He said, “Six years before. They didn’t call me. While I don’t want to go over this again, I had sent a message and didn’t get a reply.
“I have it here. Maybe he [Deschamps] changed number, got a new phone. Could be. I don’t know, but I replied to the same number he’d called from before.”
Laporte was not happy with the importance that he got from the French camp. He feels that his importance for France is way more than just a media issues. “I didn’t get a reply then. Anyway, given everything that happened, nor did I think I was important enough to France to have to inform them of anything.
“My importance to them has been more a media issue than anything. I’ve always been very clear that I’m going to be with those that want me, not those that don’t.
“I’m not saying France didn’t want me, but I’m grateful to those that ‘bet’ on me. Spain did and I’m trying to return that faith,” Laporte revealed.
Laporte switched his allegiances after Spanish head coach Luis Enrique made contact. Enrique contacted him before announcing his team for the Euros and convincing him that La Roja is the ideal team for him going forward.
