Aymeric Laporte is part of Spain’s ranks for Euro 2024 in Germany.
The Al Nassr defender is still a regular for La Roja despite his Manchester City exit having been named in their provisional squad.
Laporte is set to feature in his second European Championship for his adopted country after being called up by Luis de la Fuente.
However, the centre-back has not always played for Spain and made 51 appearances at youth level for Euro 2024 rivals France.
Why does Aymeric Laporte play for Spain?
Despite his experience playing for the France under-17s and under-21s, Laporte never made his senior debut.
He was called up by manager Didier Deschamps twice but never played a minute and after his last inclusion in 2019, he was overlooked.
Frustrated with his limited chances for Les Bleus, the defender – then playing for Manchester City – said: “Of course, I don’t think it’s because of a sporting issue, you’d have to ask him [Deschamps] personally.
“I don’t have anything personal against him, but if someone has a problem it’s him and not me.
“I could be a world champion but these are the decisions of the coach, who is not calling me for, I think, personal reasons, and I have to respect him.”
In March 2021, Laporte was approached by Spain to make the switch from France.
He was born in the French Basque Country and was eligible to play for La Roja after he was granted a Spanish passport.
Then-Spanish boss Luis Enrique convinced Laporte to make the switch and two months after the initial approach, he was granted Spanish nationality.
Since he switched to play for Spain, he has received some backlash but the decision seems to have paid off as he stars at another major tournament.
News Summary:
- Why does Aymeric Laporte play for Spain instead of France? Al Nassr defender featuring for La Roja at Euro 2024
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