Aymeric Laporte has refuted speculation that Manchester City are closing in on his signature as “my loyalty and profound respect for Athletic Bilbao is full”.
Basque television claimed on Monday that Athletic were resigned to Laporte leaving in the summer as City intended to activate the defender’s €50m release clause, but he has since taken to social media to pledge his commitment to Athletic, “whom I can only thank for everything they’ve done for me”.
“In response to the unfounded and inaccurate news appearing in the media [on Monday], my message to the fans of Athletic is clear and simple,” the Frenchman wrote.
“In my mind, I only have the desire to be useful to the club and my teammates and help them reach our objectives for the season, plus recover from my injury.
“Athletic, whom I can only thank for everything they’ve done for me, will always be the first to know anything about my future.
“My loyalty and profound respect for this club is full, and, of course, I’ll always go forward with the club and their fans. Aupa Athletic!”
