Man City hero Aymeric Laporte in U-turn after claiming players are 'unhappy' in Saudi Arabia
Aymeric Laporte has claimed that his comments were mistranslated following claims that players are unhappy after making the lucrative move to Saudi Arabia
Former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte has reiterated his happiness in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr - after an interview was published suggesting the Spain international's dissatisfaction in the country following his summer move.
The 29-year-old blamed a loss in translation for his comments being taken out of context where he claimed that many players in the Middle East are "unhappy". The Saudi Pro League has come under the microscope since their aggressive approach in the transfer window that brought a number of Premier League and European stars to the region - joining Cristiano Ronaldo who was among the trailblazers to make the move.
Laporte was one of the marquee signings to join the movement in Saudi Arabia. The Spanish international was joined by the likes of Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy as well as Liverpool duo Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
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But Henderson has since departed this week, signing for Dutch side Ajax. In an interview with Spanish media outlet AS, it is reported that Laporte claimed he has had difficulties adjusting to life in the kingdom and players aren't being treated as well as are used to being.
"It is a big change compared to Europe, but in the end it is all about adaptation. They have not made it easy for us. In fact, there are many players that are discontented.
"But we are working on it every day, to see if it can improve a little. This is something new for them also, to have European players that have had long careers.
"Maybe they are not used to this and have to adapt a little more in terms of seriousness," he added. "They look after us, but not enough for my liking. In Europe they pay you a good salary but they look after you more.
"I am not looking (to leave). I have not thought about it but if I am upset in the near future, you have to ask yourself questions. I have not arrived at that moment but I could face it in future if that dynamic continues.
"Being honest, many of us have not only come here for the football. Many of us are happy with that but I am looking for something beyond the economic side. In terms of quality of life, I hoped for something different."
Laporte was forced to dispel the claims by replying to tweets with the quotes on them.
And the defender went on to clarify his comments and took to the social media platform Instagram, where he went on a live video to explain his stance.
He said: "It wasn't a moment where I was thinking a lot but whatever. I think the translation is not good to the other language and other things so I want to say, I'm very happy here in Saudi Arabia.
"The people here are amazing, I didn't expect that from you guys, just (be) calm with what you hear, listen and read. At the end it is what it is, thank you for all your support as always."