Manchester City’s star defender, Aymeric Laporte, has completed a move to the Middle East in a £25m transfer. The announcement came after both clubs reached an agreement on the fee earlier this month. Laporte took his time to evaluate his options before ultimately deciding to make the move, which he confirmed on social media this week. Thus, ending his five-year spell with the English champions.
In a statement to the club media, Laporte expressed his pride in representing Manchester City for the past six seasons. He reflected on his initial excitement at the prospect of winning trophies and acknowledged that the success achieved exceeded his expectations. Laporte expressed gratitude towards the coaches, teammates, and the incredible City fans for their unwavering support during his time in Manchester. He concluded his message by affirming that he will always be a City fan and looks forward to seeing everyone again.
Manchester City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, also commented on the departure of Laporte, praising the player’s immense contribution to the club since his arrival in 2018. Begiristain acknowledged the seamless integration of Laporte into the team and his pivotal role in the various successes achieved in recent years. He further stated that due to the outstanding form of other defenders within the squad, Laporte found it challenging to secure sufficient game time in the 2022/23 season. Consequently, the club respected his decision to seek new opportunities elsewhere, and Begiristain expressed his anticipation of following Laporte’s career from a distance.
Laporte’s departure marks the end of an era, as he leaves Manchester City with five Premier League titles under his belt. Since joining the club from Athletic Club in 2018, Laporte has made 180 appearances, showcasing his talent and becoming a respected figure among fans and teammates alike.
As fans bid farewell to the talented defender, it remains to be seen what new heights Laporte will reach in the Middle East. His departure creates an opportunity for Manchester City to assess their defensive options and potentially recruit new talent. The club’s supporters will undoubtedly remember Laporte’s significant contributions to their recent successes and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
