World Cup: Why I chose Spain over France, says Man City defender Laporte

Manchester City defender, Aymeric Laporte has revisited his decision to commit to Spain.

Laporte had all his youth football for France before the former Athletic Bilbao pledged himself to Spain before the Euros last year.

Now at the World Cup, he says: “It was even reversed [ opinion]; instead of telling me that I am French, now I am even more appreciated, I am told the opposite.

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“At the 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 give me back the affection that I felt for them at the time, and that I still feel today.”

Eventually Mendy was snapped up by Reims before finding his way to Rennes and eventually Chelsea.