Emeric Laporte, the new director of Athletic de Bilbao, for the first time publicly commented on his opposition to the exit from the Saudi Al-Nasr and the reasons through which he encouraged the proposal of the Marseille Olympique.

The 31-year-old center back terminated his contract with the club Cristiano Ronaldo to make peace about his return to San Mames. Laporte admitted that negotiations about the agreement with the Saudis continued until the remaining stages of the transfer window.

In my words, the financial aspect will be taken to another level if there is an opportunity to turn to the club that has given me the path to great football.

“When you call Athletic, everything else ceases to matter.. I spent a miracle hour in Arabia, but I realized that my mission there was completed, and my heart was heavy on returning home to Bilbao,” explained Laporte.

Zahisnik also confirmed his feelings about the serious interest on the side of French Marseille. The Ligue 1 club is trying to overcome the gravel, teaching them the role of a defensive leader.

" I respect their interests and it is an honor for me. For me, the choice is not between clubs, but between emotions. I could not find myself in another European team if I had the opportunity to return to Athletic. That would be wrong,” said the football player.

The return of America has become a great achievement for the Basque club, which is fighting for the European Cup in La Lisa. Gravets himself noted that physically it feels miraculous and is ready to immediately help the team, regardless of the change in climate and intensity of the championship.