Aymeric Laporte pledges allegiance to France despite Spain links | OneFootball

Laporte has represented Les Bleus at every age level but has so far yet to make a senior appearance for Didier Deschamps’ men.

Having played for Athletic Bilbao for six years the 24-year-old is eligible to pull on the Roja shirt, but the central defender has insisted that’s something he’s never thought of.

“I don’t have any news either way, to be honest with you,” he told reporters.

“Regarding what was said about me playing for Spain, firstly it never happened and secondly I don’t think it will happen either.

“It’s probably not possible so if anything I will play for France. I will play for France but obviously only if I get selected. That’s not up to me that’s up to the manager.”

Laporte then turned his attentions to Manchester City’s Champions League opener against Lyon on Wednesday evening, with the French side coming into the clash off the back of two straight defeats.

“I hope it’s a good time to play them now, absolutely,” he added.

“If we can benefit from their current situation then why not.

“But by the same token we’re thinking about our job, our work, what we’re doing and what we have to do.

“We’re not too bothered about other teams regardless of whether they’re in a good moment or a bad moment.

“We’re going to work really hard as usual, play our game as we have been this season, and try to win the game.”