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Aymeric Laporte turned down Man City move after Pep Guardiola talks

Aymeric Laporte of Athletic Club runs with the ball during the UEFA Europa League Group F match
Image: Aymeric Laporte opted against a move to Manchester City

Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte says he has no regrets over turning down a move to Manchester City in the summer.

The 22-year-old, who has been called up to the France squad for the first time ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Belarus and Netherlands, revealed that he held extensive talks with City boss Pep Guardiola.

However, Laporte opted to sign a new deal with Athletic Bilbao in June as he recovered from a broken ankle sustained while on duty with France Under 21s in March.

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Speaking to French radio station RTL, he said: "How did I say no to Pep? By looking at the pros and cons.

"I spoke with him for a long time, as well as with my club. I also looked at my family, my entourage.

"It wasn't too early. It was just pros and cons - amount of time on the pitch, me recovering from injury.

Athletic Bilbao's French defender Aymeric Laporte looks on prior to the friendly football  match between Bordeaux and Athletic Bilbao on July 23, 2016 in T
Image: Aymeric Laporte has been called up to the France squad for the first time

"These aren't easy things to think about at my age. In the end, I had to make a choice. I did, and I'm happy."

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Laporte has played nine times for Bilbao this season, scoring once in a 2-1 victory over Granada in September.

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