Aymeric Laporte explains Al-Nassr exit, says Saudi Arabia was not what he wanted, snubs Marseille | OneFootball

Aymeric Laporte has explained his decision to leave the Saudi Pro League for a return to Athletic Club, after one season with Al-Nassr.

"I've never said this before today, but from the first year in Saudi Arabia I realised it wasn't really what I was looking for. There was also the family aspect which was important to me." He told RMC Sport.

"There was an approach, yes. There was interest, not only from Marseille but also from other clubs. I was determined to return to my roots."

Negotiations were complicated by Al-Nassr's financial focus, and a deadline-day paperwork error on their side initially cancelled the move. An appeal to FIFA later allowed the transfer to proceed.

He signed a three-year deal to 2028, took the number 14 shirt and returned to the club where he made 222 appearances before joining Manchester City in 2018.

Beyond sentiment, he hopes to cement his Spain place by playing regularly in La Liga ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He has stayed in contact with Luis de la Fuente, has 16 appearances this season, and early registration issues affected European eligibility, but his focus is on Athletic and La Roja.

Source: Goal.com