Former Manchester City player has reflected on his time at Etihad Stadium with a deep sense of appreciation, admitting he only fully understood the scale of the club’s environment after he had left.
Aymeric Laporte, a Spanish international who joined City in 2018, arrived from Athletic Club during the early years of Pep Guardiola’s transformative spell in charge.
Already an accomplished defender with experience in European competition and domestic success in Spain, Laporte quickly became an integral part of a side that would go on to dominate English football.
His spell in Manchester brought consistent success, but it ultimately came to a close following the club’s historic treble-winning campaign.
Reduced minutes during that season led to a summer move away, as Laporte sought regular playing time elsewhere.
A transfer worth £23.6m saw him join Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, where the opportunity to share a dressing room with globally recognised names such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane proved appealing.
Yet despite the attraction of a new challenge, the defender has since acknowledged that leaving City was not without regret.
“You only realize it when you leave”
Speaking candidly about his experience, Laporte revealed that the reality of life away from Manchester City brought a new perspective on what he had previously considered routine.
“I regretted leaving because I was at the best club in the world, [Man] City,” he told as.com
His words underline the high standards set within Guardiola’s squad, where attention to detail and player welfare are central to the club’s identity.
“The way they take care of their players there is unique; you only realize it when you leave. When you arrive, it’s impressive, and then once you get used to it, you see it as something commonplace, something normal.”
Laporte’s reflection points to an environment that players can quickly grow accustomed to, but rarely find replicated elsewhere.
From training facilities to daily routines, the structure at City has been widely praised by those who have experienced it.
“When you leave and you’re no longer experiencing that special routine they have there, you realize how lucky you are to have been at a great club like City, and like I said, for me it was an unforgettable experience,” he continued.
There is a sense of gratitude in his remarks, coupled with an acknowledgment that some aspects of elite football are only truly appreciated in hindsight.
“I’m truly grateful to the club. I can’t say anything bad because it was one of the best things ever.”
Such comments reflect not only personal appreciation but also the broader reputation Manchester City have built in recent years as one of the most professionally run clubs in world football.
A career defined by silverware and ambition
Although Laporte’s time at City lasted just over five years, it was marked by sustained success and a steady accumulation of trophies.
He made an immediate impact after arriving in England, helping the team secure both the Premier League title and the League Cup within months of his debut.
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From that point onwards, silverware became a regular feature of his seasons in Manchester.
Laporte played his part in a period of domestic dominance, contributing to multiple league titles, cup victories, and European success.
In total, he collected 13 major honours during his time with the club, alongside additional triumphs in the UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield.
While he was not always a guaranteed starter towards the end of his spell, his role in City’s rise under Guardiola remains significant.
Now 31, his focus has shifted once again. Back at Athletic Club, he is aiming to help guide the team up the La Liga table, with ambitions of securing qualification for European competition next season.
