DONAUESCHINGEN, Germany: Spain defender Aymeric Laporte fired a shot at his critics on Saturday after his fine display against Italy at Euro 2024.
The 30-year-old center-back, now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, started as Spain defeated the reigning champions 1-0 on Thursday to qualify for the last 16 top from Group B.
Laporte missed the opening 3-0 win against Croatia with a muscular problem and some Spanish media speculated over whether he was at the right level to play for La Roja after a year in the Saudi league.
“They said everything, there was a lot of speculation and not enough information to come out with so many opinions,” Laporte told a news conference ahead of the third group match against Albania on Monday.
“There’s a lot of bad information out there that generates more headlines... I prepared myself (to play at the Euros).”
Laporte arrived in Germany after his team-mates, and coach Luis de la Fuente said although the former Manchester City player could have featured against Croatia, it was better not to take risks.
“I played 90 minutes against Italy and I feel good,” added Laporte.
“I spoke with the (Spain) coach before taking the decision to go to Saudi Arabia.
“For me the national team is very important, it’s one of the most important things in my career.
“I’m proud of representing Spain, each time I wear the shirt I feel very proud and like I identify.”
Laporte, born in the French Basque region, became a naturalized Spaniard in 2021.
The defender played alongside Robin Le Normand, another French-born player, against Italy.
“I speak (to him) a lot on the pitch, we have fluid communication,” said Laporte.
“On and off the pitch we’re constantly talking, we played well against Italy.”
In January Laporte said many new players in the Saudi league coming from Europe were not happy, but defended the competition on Friday.
“I think people are prejudiced about it,” he explained.
“It’s also true that it’s a young league, in terms of marketing it’s evolving bit by bit and maybe in the future it will be seen as a more competitive league.
“But I also have to say that the player of the match in both of France’s games was (Al-Ittihad player N’Golo) Kante, and that shows something.”
Laporte takes aim at critics after strong Spain Euros start
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Laporte takes aim at critics after strong Spain Euros start
- “They said everything, there was a lot of speculation and not enough information to come out with so many opinions,” Laporte told a news conference
- “There’s a lot of bad information out there that generates more headlines... I prepared myself (to play at the Euros)“
Arteta hails Madueke’s ‘magic moments’ after Champions League double
- “When you talk about individual quality and individual action and magic moments, that’s it,” Arteta said
- Madueke has netted three times in two Champions League matches
LONDON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta showered praise on Noni Madueke, highlighting his dribbling prowess and willingness to take on players after the winger scored twice in a 3-0 Champions League victory at Belgium’s Club Brugge.
Madueke opened the scoring in Wednesday’s match with a thunderous strike in the 25th minute.
“Unbelievable goal. When you talk about individual quality and individual action and magic moments, that’s it,” Arteta told reporters. “A player that is able to pick the ball that far, dribble past people and finish with the quality and the power that he’s done.”
The 23-year-old then extended Arsenal’s lead in the second half with a header from close range.
Madueke, who joined the club from Chelsea in July, has netted three times in two Champions League matches — the first in a 3-1 win over Bayern Munich last month following his return from a knee injury.
Madueke started on the right flank against Brugge, a position usually occupied by England international Bukayo Saka, and Arteta said some healthy competition between the two would help both players maintain a high level.
“They both have different qualities as well, and it’s great because we’re going to need them,” the Spanish manager added.
“We are playing every three days, and players with that freshness and with that bite in the teeth as well. Understanding that they have to perform at their level, and this is the standard that we set. It’s something really good...
“It’s about consistency. It’s not a game, it’s two games, three games. It’s when you do ten games in a row every three days and that’s the level that we have to hit.”
Premier League leaders Arsenal next host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
