Jakarta –
Aymeric Laporte has officially switched national teams. Defender Manchester City it’s no longer an international player French, but rather Spanish.
It was confirmed after FIFA approved of his transfer from the French national team to Spain. He previously obtained Spanish citizenship earlier this week.
“A player named Aymeric Laporte can now play for the representative teams of the RFEF – Spanish Football Association, and take effect immediately,” said a FIFA statement as quoted. Sky Sports.
This change was approved by FIFA after the parent football association made amendments to its regulations last year. Players can now switch countries as long as they haven’t played more than three matches for their home country before turning 21, nor have they ever featured in a World Cup or continental tournament.
Laporte himself has never played for the French senior national team, even though he has routinely defended junior teams from U-17 to U-21 level. The 26-year-old defender was born in Agen, France, but also has Basque, Spanish blood from his great grandfather.
Because of his Basque blood, he was able to join the Athletic Bilbao academy in 2010. He moved at the age of 16 at the time and strengthened Bilbao until 2018, until he accepted Manchester City’s proposal.
(raw/cas)
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