Aymeric Laporte has spoken candidly about his exit from Manchester City, admitting he wished he had stayed longer at the club he describes as the finest in the world. The 31-year-old Spain international made the remarks in an interview with Spanish outlet AS, with his comments subsequently amplified by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano on May 2, 2026.
“I regretted leaving because I was at the best club in the world, Man City,” Laporte told AS. “The way they take care of players is unique; you only realise it when you leave.”
Laporte departed the Etihad in the summer of 2023 to join Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, a move driven by the need for regular first-team football after he lost his starting position during City’s historic treble-winning campaign. Despite his reduced role, the defender was part of the squad that clinched the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League under Pep Guardiola that season — one of the most decorated single-season achievements in English football history.
Prior to a serious knee injury sustained in 2020, Laporte had established himself as one of the premier central defenders in European football, forming a formidable partnership at the heart of City’s backline. His recovery and subsequent contributions remained significant, even as younger options emerged to challenge for his place.
Since his move to Saudi Arabia, Laporte has reportedly maintained a close affinity with his former club, regularly engaging with Manchester City’s content across social media platforms. His sentiments are not unique — several former City players have expressed similar feelings upon leaving, reflecting the strength of the culture and infrastructure Guardiola has built at the club over nearly a decade.
The timing of Laporte’s comments comes as Manchester City remain firmly in Premier League title contention. According to the original report, City are set to face Everton on Monday night as they look to return to the top of the Premier League table, with Guardiola having publicly dismissed fixture congestion as a factor in the club’s recent form.
Laporte joined City from Athletic Club Bilbao in January 2018 for a reported fee of around £57 million, going on to win multiple Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and the Champions League during his five-and-a-half seasons at the club. His admission adds to a broader narrative around the difficulty former players face in replicating the winning environment Guardiola has cultivated at the Etihad Stadium.
