As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Man City defender Laporte: Luis Enrique call swung Spain decision

Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte says Spain have long made him feel wanted.

Long a France youth international, Laporte completed a switch to Spain last month as a result of his family links to the Basque region, and he made his international debut ahead of Euro 2020 for his new national side.

He told the Guardian: “They called me from the Federation. The president told me about their interest. Straight after, Luis Enrique called. I took the decision. Then came my dual nationality.

“I'd been in contact with the Seleccion Espanola for years because they've always wanted me.

Luis Enrique told me my playing style is his idea of football, that if I got nationality I might be in the squad.

“We talked and I told him that obviously it's very important for me, for my projection. This is something I always wanted. To play at the highest level, at an international tournament is significant for any player.

“I said I was interested. There's paperwork and all that [but] we found the formula."

Video of the day:

About the author

Paul Vegas

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free