Manchester City centre-back Aymeric Laporte switched allegiance from France to La Roja on Tuesday, with the ambition of playing for Luis Enrique’s side at Euro 2020. It’s a decision that’s generated criticism and disappointment in France according to Marca.
Many in France point to statements he made in March as hypocritical, where he said wearing the blue shirt has always been his dream and that playing for France at youth level was one of the best experiences of his life.
Laporte, who has never played for the French senior team, has played 24 matches in their underage setup and made three of Didier Deschamps’ squads, but never took to the field. The last time he was picked was back in August of 2019, but he was injured and unable to join up with the group.
Former French national team players, like Jerome Rothen and Emmanuel Petit, have criticised Laporte for his decision. They label him to be opportunistic, and argue that if you’re French, you’re French, and if you’re Spanish, you’re Spanish.
Laporte has also said in the past that he was disappointed to not be picked by Deschamps, and had even gone so far as sending him a message. Back in December of 2018, the defender hinted that it may be personal, rather than professional, reasons that the French coach didn’t select him.
He hints back at the criticism by sending out an emotional message. “I am now 26, and I have never earned a single official cap for France. With unexplained reasons. I am not a guy to oversee the Bench seats, I am that guy who deserves to at least collect some international caps. I have honored France for two years, but they never honored me even with one cap. I can’t go to retirement without a single international cap, with Spain I will definitely play and earn big caps. French Federation sent me a message expressing their deep disappointment on my decision to change Nationalities. I didn’t bother to reply or explain, because the writing is on the wall, they should send the text to their national team coach not to me.
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