Spain defender Aymeric Laporte has hit out at those who questioned his fitness levels and physical state ahead of Euro 2024.
Laporte arrived late to Spain’s pre-tournament camp with permission from the national team, before missing his side’s group stage opener against Croatia as a precaution.
His fitness had been a source of debate in the Spanish media ahead of Euro 2024, but the 30-year-old returned to the starting lineup for Thursday’s 1-0 victory over Italy and played the full 90 minutes.
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“I’ve heard everything to be honest, a lot of speculation,” Laporte said. “There was no information in the media to make such a debate about my physical condition, there were too many headlines. But I’m calm.
“I joined the national team when I was told to, and prepared myself for this competition. I feel perfect now, at 100 per cent, as I showed against Italy.
“I have been annoyed by some comments and reports. I have not come out earlier because the national team didn’t ask me to, and at the end of the day I don’t have to comment on false stuff.”
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Laporte was one of a number of high profile players who moved to the Saudi Pro League last summer after the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) took control of four teams in the division, with the centre-back joining Al Nassr from Manchester City.
He has remained a regular for Spain since moving to Saudi Arabia, playing five times during Euro 2024 qualifying, and is considered part of Luis de la Fuente’s first-choice centre-back pairing alongside Real Sociedad’s Robin Le Normand at this summer’s tournament.
Laporte said he had discussions with the Spain manager ahead of his move to Saudi, and defended the league’s standard by highlighting the consecutive player of the match awards won by Al-Ittihad’s N’Golo Kante during France’s opening two matches.
“I spoke with the manager before leaving for Saudi Arabia,” he said. “The truth is Spain is so important to me and my career. It is where I’ve enjoyed football the most in the last eight years of my career. I feel so proud wearing the shirt, very much represented by Spain.”
Asked if his performances are watched through a different lens because he plays in Saudi, Laporte replied: “It is a fact. Everyone has its opinion about the league, but we are all aware it is a competition on a growing process. Maybe it will improve in terms of marketing and will be regarded in the future as a more competitive league.
“But the fact N’Golo Kante has won two man of the match awards in two games so far tells you it’s not a bad league at all.”
Spain qualified for the knockout stages with victory over Italy and conclude their group stage campaign against Albania on Monday.
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(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)