Aymeric Laporte cuts ties with Didier Deschamps

Aymeric Laporte, a 32‑year‑old defender, confirmed that he will never again wear the jersey of the Bleus. After being regularly called up by the French national team, including a call in September 2019 that he had to decline due to injury, he has chosen not to play under Didier Deschamps.

A pillar of the Roja

At 32, the defender is now a pillar of the Roja. Since his first call‑up in 2021, he has taken part in the biggest international tournaments, winning the World Cup, the European Championship and the Nations League with Spain.

Statement on Mario's journey

He discussed this career turning point during the programme “Le parcours de Mario”, broadcast on the YouTube channel of former Spanish international Mario Suarez. The interview clarified the reasons for his decision.

During the programme, Laporte explained his resentment towards the French manager:

“All my family is French, and in France, patriotism is very strong. I have always loved France, my country of origin, but when you find yourself in a situation like mine, you have to reassess your stance. Athletic Bilbao welcomed me with open arms, and that is where I improved the most. The French national team manager didn’t count on me at all, so I decided to leave.”

Called up for the first time with Spain in 2021, he has since been a starter at every major competition. His spell at Athletic Bilbao, where he was welcomed “with open arms”, was decisive for his development.

He added:

“Winning the World Cup, the Nations League and the European Championship… Even if it hadn’t happened, I would feel the same pride. My wife, my family and my children are from here. I feel very attached to Spain.”

After years of waiting with the Bleus, Laporte finally took a different direction, confirming that his attachment to Spain goes beyond the purely sporting realm.