Laporte happy with Bilbao decision

Aymeric Laporte insists he is happy with the decision he made to remain at Athletic Bilbao this summer.

The French central defender was the subject of interest from several big clubs, most notably Manchester City, but rejected all big-money advances in favour of continuing his football education at the Basque club.

“I’m very happy with the decision I took as I’m very comfortable and I’ve been here six years, so this will be my seventh,” said the 22-year-old in an exclusive interview with ElDesmarque.

“There were several other offers, not just one, but I knew what I had here. I know what Athletic have given me and I’ll always be grateful to them.

“I don’t want to talk about the figures being offered because we are in pre-season. Before the summer I was getting asked about all the rumours that were coming out in the Press. In the end I made my decision and everybody’s happy.

“I’m only 22 and my head is well focused on what I’m doing, which is playing football, and I have people around me who I trust and can help me in that respect.”

Laporte says he has totally forgotten about the serious ankle injury that sidelined him for two months at the end of last season.

“I’m not thinking about it and am training normally to strengthen the ankle,” he revealed. “It’s true that sometimes it can get sore, but that’s the same with all injuries. I’ve not had any discomfort so far and everything has gone well.

“We have a very competitive team this year with some fantastic players and there is a lot of competition. Hopefully, we can do well this season.” 

Tags Laporte Manchester City
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