Laporte says farewell to Athletic as he heads for Manchester City

Aymeric Laporte is very nearly a Manchester City player after the defender says his goodbyes to Athletic Bilbao.

The club have posted a farewell message from Laporte on Twitter amid reports that Manchester City have activated his release clause.

Laporte said: “So much to say with so few lines... I want to thank everybody for what you have given me. I arrived as an adolescent and I have been formed here as a person and as a footballer.

”I don’t want my exit, ahead of a new challenge in my career, to be a ‘goodbye’, but rather a ‘see you soon’. I am leaving a unique club, I will never forget it. For all of that, thank you!”

According to reports, Manchester City will officially announce his signing on Tuesday.