Laporte, proud to feel Spanish

Spanish national team player Aymeric Laporte spoke to the media just a couple of days before Spain's World Cup opener against Costa Rica in Qatar, and a statement went viral in which the City defender said he believed 'La Roja' would lift the World Cup trophy.

The player born in the French town of Agen gave an interview to the newspaper 'Sport' and showed his feelings for the Spanish country: "At the time I made a decision, to play for Spain. I was convinced, both because of the coach and the philosophy of the country, which I feel very much identified with.

"I feel much more identified with the Spaniards, and the Spaniards are returning the affection that I felt for them in my day, and that I still feel today," he added.

Laporte also spoke about Spain's chances at the World Cup: "It doesn't bother us that people don't talk about us as favourites, but we want to show that we are a strong team. And we hope to go as far as possible in this competition".

"We have shown that over the last few months, both in the European Championship and in the Nations; we are a strong team. We are a difficult team to beat, both in Europe and in the world. It's not easy to beat us at all," he confessed.