Renowned Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte has spoken openly about one of the most significant decisions of his career. He admitted that leaving Manchester City at a time when his game was evolving and he was gaining the trust of Pep Guardiola was a mistake.
As a center-back known for his high-level play, Laporte had become a key figure for the 'Cityzens'. Within Guardiola's system, he excelled in ball handling, building attacks from the back, and making calm decisions on the pitch.
However, at a time when many European stars were heading to the Saudi Pro League, Laporte accepted an offer from Al-Nassr. In the summer of 2023, Manchester City decided to sell the player who had defended the club's honor for five years. This transfer sparked significant debate at the time.
Now, Laporte views that decision differently. He emphasized that leaving Manchester City was a difficult step that he later came to regret.
“I regretted leaving because I was at the best club in the world. It is hard to explain how they take care of their players there. It is a unique situation. Over time, you get used to it and take it for granted. But once you leave, you start to realize what an amazing environment it was,” said Laporte.
The defender did not hide his immense respect for Manchester City, remembering his time at the club as one of the brightest periods of his career and life.
“I am sincerely grateful to Manchester City. I cannot say a single bad word about this club. It was an unforgettable experience for me. One of the best periods of my life was spent with this team,” the player emphasized.
Indeed, for Laporte, Manchester City was more than just a club; it was a great football school. There, he worked with a world-class coach, hardened in a highly competitive environment, and cemented his name in European football.
His adventure in Saudi Arabia did not last long. In the summer of 2025, the experienced defender returned to his former club, Athletic Bilbao, opening a new chapter in his career.
In short, Laporte's words once again show that a big offer is not always the right choice in football. Sometimes, the environment, trust, and appreciation at a club are more important to a player than money. Manchester City remains in Laporte's memory not just as a team, but as a big family that hosted his best years.
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