Why Toulouse-born Aymeric Laporte plays for Spain instead of France with Al Nassr defender for Euro 2024 final after sending France home
Aymeric Laporte has been a key part of Spain’s squad at Euro 2024, and he's set for the final after an awkward reunion.
The Al Nassr defender is still a regular for La Roja despite his Manchester City exit as he has started as one of their main two centre-backs at the tournament.
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Laporte is featuring in his second European Championship for his country after being called up by manager 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.
And the two teams faced each other in the semi-finals, with Laporte and Spain coming out on top to seal their place in the final against England, live on talkSPORT.
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.
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He was called up by Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps twice but never played a minute and after his last inclusion in 2019, he was overlooked.
Frustrated with his limited chances, 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.”
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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.
He already has one international honour to his name with the 2023 Nations League, and he'll be looking to add another here with the European Championship title.
talkSPORT will bring you live commentary of the Euro 2024 final on Sunday as England bid to make history against Spain. Tune in via the website or the app, and follow our live Euro 2024 blog for all the build-up.
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