Aymeric Laporte has been chatting about interest from Barcelona after a summer where the Catalans were linked with the Spain star but ultimately did not make a move.

There was speculation that the Catalans wanted Laporte to partner Pau Cubarsi in the heart of their backline, but the defender says the transfer failed to materialize because Athletic Club would not let him leave.

“They might have been interested, but Athletic didn’t want to let me leave, so it couldn’t happen,” he told La Vanguardia.

Laporte was quizzed further about a potential move and added: “It depends on the future, which is unpredictable. It’s true that time passes and it gets harder.”

The center-back does partner Cubarsi with the Spain national team and explained why they make such a good duo.

“He told me that he noticed me as a child, before he even made his debut for Barça, and from the beginning we had a special connection off the field.

“I have helped him with my experience and he gives me freshness and guarantees that are difficult to find in someone so young. He doesn’t fail, and that’s very rare at his age.”

Laporte also had some kind words for Rodri and wasn’t surprised to see him swap Manchester City for Barcelona in the summer transfer window.

“Yes, he’s key in midfield, he’s the one who calls the shots. I’ve won everything alongside him, I can’t say a bad word about him,” he added.

“The English league is very physical. He comes back home to play the kind of football we like, especially him, and the style that identifies him with Barça; it’s the best thing for him.”