Riyad Mahrez is one of the players who gave in to the Saudi sirens this summer.
Landed at Manchester City in the summer of 2018, Ryad Mahrez left the Mancunian club last summer to join Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. A choice that the Algerian international fully accepts. He barely consents to “feeling of unfinished business” due to the substitute status with which he had to deal last season with the Citizens.
“I had two years left on my contract with Manchester City, I could have stayed. It was really me who decided to leave. I felt that this opportunity would not come again. Maybe it was time to leave because I had spent five years at City and won everything, he confided to The Team. I was offered four years in Saudi Arabia, in a Muslim country where I can definitely protect my family. »
Manchester City, however, tried to retain him. In vain. “There was also a new challenge, and a new project. So, I decided to leave, it wasn’t a big deal. ‘Txiki’ Begiristain (Manchester City technical director) really wanted me to stay, and even Pep Guardiola. They made it clear to me, he added. I weighed the pros and cons. And finally, I decided to leave. I don’t regret it, I’m happy to be here. »
