Aymeric Laporte, a defender for Spain, responded to his detractors on Saturday following his impressive performance at the 2024 Euro against Italy.
The 30-year-old center back, who is currently with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, got off to a 1-0 victory over the defending champions on Thursday to advance to the round of 16 as the top seed from Group B.
After a year in the Saudi league, Laporte missed the first game against Croatia 3-0 due to a muscular issue, leading the Spanish media to question if he was ready to play for La Roja.
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“They said everything, there was a lot of speculation and not enough information to come out with so many opinions,” Laporte stated at a press conference prior to Monday’s third group encounter against Albania.
“A lot of false information circulates and makes for more attention-grabbing headlines. I got ready to compete at the European Championship.
Coach Luis de la Fuente stated that even though Laporte, a former Manchester City player, could have played against Croatia, it was best to avoid taking any chances. Laporte arrived in Germany after his teammates.
“I played 90 minutes against Italy and I feel good,” added Laporte.
“I spoke with the (Spain) coach before taking the decision to go to Saudi Arabia.
“For me the national team is very important, it’s one of the most important things in my career.
“I’m proud of representing Spain, each time I wear the shirt I feel very proud and like I identify.”
Laporte, born in the French Basque region, became a naturalised Spaniard in 2021.
The defender played alongside Robin Le Normand, another French-born player, against Italy.
“I speak (to him) a lot on the pitch, we have fluid communication,” said Laporte.
“On and off the pitch we’re constantly talking, we played well against Italy.”
In January Laporte said many new players in the Saudi league coming from Europe were not happy, but defended the competition on Friday.
He clarified, “I think people are biased about it.”
It’s also true that the league is new; its marketing is still developing, so perhaps in the future it will be perceived as a more competitive competition.
“But I also have to say that the player of the match in both of France’s games was (Al-Ittihad player N’Golo) Kante, and that shows something.”
