France defender, Aymeric Laporte has come out to say that Didier Deschamps did not return his texts before he swapped France for Spain. He recently revealed that Deschamps can’t lie to his face that they had meaningful conversations about him playing for the French national team.
According to him, Deschamps only reached out about an injury he had at the time and he just didn’t feel like the coach found him important enough to play for the country.
He added that even if some people wanted him to play for France, he is eternally grateful to Spain for the opportunity to serve.
His words, “What makes me uncomfortable is what he might say, and that’s a lie. The only message I received from him was in October about a situation regarding an injury. He hasn’t played for us? It could’ve happened, ten seconds would’ve been enough.”
On if France was aware that Spain was chasing him, “Six years before. They didn’t call me. While I don’t want to go over this again, I had sent a message and didn’t get a reply.”
“I have it here. Maybe he [Deschamps] changed number, got a new phone. Could be. I don’t know, but I replied to the same number he’d called from before.”
“I didn’t get a reply then. Anyway, given everything that happened, nor did I think I was important enough to France to have to inform them of anything.”
“My importance to them has been more a media issue than anything. I’ve always been very clear that I’m going to be with those that want me, not those that don’t.”
“I’m not saying France didn’t want me, but I’m grateful to those that ‘bet’ on me. Spain did and I’m trying to return that faith.”
“I’d been in contact with Spain for years because they’ve always wanted me. Luis Enrique called. I took the decision,” he said.
“It wasn’t an easy decision at all. My family still lives in France and from very young I played there with the national team. There were family chats, discussions, an exchange of opinions, the same doubts there would be if you had dual nationality I imagine.”
“Everyone has different feelings. I felt comfortable coming with Spain, fully identified. That’s what made me change everything. Also, my family hasn’t spent eight years in Spain like me.”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate