French national team boss Didier Deschamps has now remarked on Aymeric Laporte's decision to represent Spain instead of his country of birth France.
Born in Agen, France, the Al Nassr centre-back played for his native country during his youth, but he was consistently overlooked for the senior team.
The former Manchester City star was also previously called up twice for France, though he never played a minute after his last call-up back in 2019.
Read: Rulani-linked Wydad to make 'decision' on new manager
Frustrated by his lack of involvement at the time, Laporte pointed the blame at Deschamps, stating: "Of course, I don't think it's because of a sporting issue, you'd have to ask him [Deschamps] personally.
"I don't have anything personal against him, but if someone has a problem it's him and not me. I could be a world champion but these are the decisions of the coach, who is not calling me for, I think, personal reasons, and I have to respect him."
Get the latest soccer news and be ahead of the game. Follow our WhatsApp Channel via this link!
In June 2021, Laporte fully changed allegiance, choosing to represent Spain - where he played his club football from 2010 to 2018.
Now with France set to meet Spain in the semi-finals of the 2024 UEFA Championship on Tuesday night, the topic has resurfaced again.
According to GetFrenchFootballNews, Deschamps was asked about the centre-back and he insisted that he was not phased by the player's decision.
"I'm not worried. He made his choice," said Deschamps.
"Good luck to him, he must be happy with his choice and that's the important thing, there is another player who made this choice too because they had the option.
"There isn't anything to regret, the important thing is that Aymeric can make the most of his situation and I believe that to be the case."
Read: Foster's new boss underlines goal for the future