Laporte bids Bilbao farewell

Matt Morley 7 years ago 1.4k |

Reading time: minutes

Laporte said his goodbyes on Athletic Bilbao's official Twitter account. EFE/Archivo

Defender Aymeric Laporte has taken to the Athletic Bilbao official Twitter account to say his goodbyes as he closes in on a move to Manchester City.

The news comes after the club confirmed that the 23-year-old's release clause had been paid, with his move to Manchester now a matter of when rather than if.

The reported £60m fee will see the France U21 international become City's most expensive player ever, surpassing the £55m they paid Wolfsburg for Kevin De Bruyne in 2015.

Laporte's farewell message read: "To all the Athletic family. I want to thank you for all you have given me.

"I arrived as a kid and I've grown here as a person and as a footballer.

"My exit, ahead of a new challenge in my professional career, I don't want it to be a goodbye, but a see you later.

"Here I am leaving a unique club, different and I will never forget you."