Ernesto Valverde speaks on Athletic Club’s failed Aymeric Laporte swoop | OneFootball

Athletic Club head coach Ernesto Valverde has late this week provided his take on the club’s failed move for Aymeric Laporte.

The name of defender Laporte has of course reemerged as a prominent one in his home country across the week to date.

This comes after the 31-year-old’s proposed return to Athletic Club fell through at the last minute.

As confirmed by Athletic themselves in a statement released on Wednesday:

‘Athletic Club wishes to inform its members and all its fans that FIFA has denied the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) request to obtain an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation in order to transfer player Aymeric Laporte.’

These developments have thrown Laporte’s future firmly up in the air, with it considered unlikely that the stopper will be reintegrated into Al-Nassr’s ranks.

Speaking during an appearance in front of the media on Friday, it therefore came as little surprise when the saga was put to Athletic headmaster Ernesto Valverde.

And the ex-Barcelona boss, in quotes relaid by Mundo Deportivo, went on to explain:

“These situations happen in football. It’s not just happened to us, but to other teams too. This is the second time for me. I remember another one at Olympiacos. Instead of looking at all that, we have to look ahead, see the possibilities we have, and try to move forward.”

Pressed on whether the situation could yet be rectified, and Laporte signed, Valverde continued:

“The truth is, I haven’t spoken to anyone. I know a little about what Mikel told me, that things were complicated. The club will try until the end, but that’s how things are. You ask me, and I don’t have much of an idea. I’m not aware of that; I’m more aware of what’s happening on the pitch.

“The club will try to do everything possible. We don’t know what his situation is right now. I’m more concerned about what’s happening on the pitch.”

Conor Laird – GSFN