Aymeric Laporte has said his goodbye to Manchester City and its fans.
The center-back has agreed to a contract with Al-Nassr and is on his way to Saudi Arabia after five-and-a-half successful seasons in the Premier League, where he helped Man City win three consecutive league crowns and the UEFA Champions League for the first time in June.
Laporte shares emotional video
Laporte began his career at Athletic Club — where players have been known to spend their entire careers playing at San Mames. But in January 2018, Laporte surprised many by completing an eyebrow-raising move to England, signing for Manchester City in a record-breaking $71 million transfer.
The charismatic Laporte quickly became a fan favorite, owing to his strong defending and clean left-footed passing. He debuted for Spain in 2021 and played 120 Premier League contests for City, winning 13 trophies in all — including five league titles.
“This is now our history,” Laporte said in a tribute video posted on social media. “Thank you and see you really soon.”
The details of the deal
Laporte no longer found himself readily in Pep Guardiola‘s plans last season, when he made only 12 appearances in the league and 24 in all competitions. As such, he became a target for Saudi Arabia‘s riches, and he has now sorted out a move to Al-Nassr — where he will play behind attacking stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.
Manchester City accepted a $30 million bid for Laporte, and the player accepted a three-year contract proposal from last season’s Saudi Pro League runners-up. The transfer should soon be made official.