Laporte: Yes, I won the Premier League but I was JEALOUS when I watched France triumph in the World Cup
£57M FRENCHMAN HELPED DESCHAMPS QUALIFY, THEN MISSED OUT ON RUSSIA
AYMERIC LAPORTE admits he felt jealous watching France win the World Cup.
Laporte was gutted at missing out on a place in Didier Deschamps’ victorious squad after being called up during the qualifying campaign.
The defender had also pressed his claims by helping Manchester City win a Premier League and League Cup double when he arrived for a then club-record £57million from Athletic Bilbao in January.
“I felt jealous to be honest,” he said when asked how it felt to see his compatriots triumph in Moscow. “The decisions were made and you have to accept them.
“It didn’t come as a surprise to me that I wasn’t involved. I hadn’t been in the previous squad, but it was still a little disappointing for me not to be involved.
“It was still a really good summer, though. I had plenty of relaxing with family and friends. I was really happy to get back home after a tough season.”
Laporte, who was born in Agen in south-west France, has yet to make a senior appearance for Les Bleus, despite representing them at every level from Under-17 to U-21.
He could opt for Spain as he qualifies for them because of the eight years he spent with Athletic Bilbao, where he was only the second Frenchman after Bixente Lizarazu to play for the Basque side. Laporte is understood to be mulling over his international future, but refused to be drawn on it. “That’s not what I’m here to talk about,” said the centre-half.
Laporte missed City’s defeat to Borussia Dortmund in their opening US tour match in the International Champions Cup because of a minor knock.
He should return soon and is keen to build on his successful start to his Blues career under Pep Guardiola (below left, with Laporte). “I’ve had a really good six months here,” he said. “We won two trophies and obviously we won a lot of games. “It would have been nice if we’d played in the later rounds of the Champions League, but that’s something we can work towards this year. “Pep is the best manager in the world. He’s always looking to help me get better and improve my game. He’s demanding, yes, but it’s not scary. His is a style of play I really enjoy and I think I can improve.”
Laporte has the chance to stake an early claim to start against Arsenal in City’s first game of their title defence on August 12 because he is the only one of their four senior centre-halves on tour.
John Stones and Vincent Kompany will not report back for pre-season training until just a week before the season and Laporte praised the Englishman’s performances in Russia.
“He had really good games,” he added. “He had a good competition and even scored some goals. It was good to see him do that.
“We have lots of good players here. Everyone wants to start, I felt like I’ve been a starter since I’ve been here.
“I’ll keep working to stay in the first XI and if we’re winning games, then hopefully I can do that.”