The French-born defender has been criticised in the country’s press and by former players. The French sports newspaper L’Equipe analysed the situation and concluded that a lack of opportunity was the main factor in his decision.
“Laporte has succumbed to the Iberian mermaids when he still hasn’t pulled on the shirt for France’s senior team,” wrote L’Equipe.
In March this year Laporte said that representing France “had always been [his] dream” and that doing so at youth level had been “one of the best experiences of [his] life”.
The former Athletic Club player has played 24 games across various youth levels for France and has even been called up three times by the senior side, but without ever making an appearance.
Laporte’s last France call-up came in August 2019, but he had to pull out due to an injury.
Besides L’Equipe, other figures in French football, including former players Jerome Rothen and Emmanuel Petit, have criticised Laporte’s opportunism.
“When you sign up and you feel French, you go with France,” said Rothen on RMC Sport.
“If you feel Spanish, you go with Spain.
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“But don’t be opportunist.”
Petit, also on RMC Sport, struck a similar tone, questioning Laporte’s motives and loyalty.
“How can you choose what country you love?” said Petit.
“He had declared his love for the French [national] team and suddenly he’s off to Spain.”
