Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte faced reporters today ahead of his side’s clash against Albania on Monday, 24th June.
Spain have already qualified for the round of 16, but a win against Sylvinho’s Red and Blacks would see them finish top of their group, potentially giving them a nicer fixture on paper in the next round.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Al Nassr centre-back discussed his pride in being selected to represent La Roja, saying: “I talked to the coach before making the decision to go to [Saudi] Arabia.
“The selection is the most important thing in my career and where I have enjoyed it the most in recent years. It is a pride to represent Spain. I feel very identified.”
He spoke further about the criticism the Saudi Pro League often faces, and used a familiar face of the league to emphasise his point: “We are all aware that it is a fairly new league; in the future, it will be seen as a much more competitive league.
It must also be said that the man of the match has been Kanté twice in a row with France, which proves something.”
La Roja have faced tough competition at EURO2024, defeating holders Italy and a formidable Croatia. Still, Laporte understands they only have more tests to come: “Before and now, we had great players, a great team.
Embed from Getty Images“We played against very strong teams, and they were difficult games, but we have shown how to be, and know how to play against strong teams. We are ready to win a competition like this.”
Albania v Spain will take place at the Düsseldorf Arena, with all nine of their previous meetings going the way of the Spaniards.
We will continue to cover Albania v Spain, alongside the rest of EURO2024, here on our website. You can stay up to date by following us over on X.