Riyad Mahrez departs Manchester City for new journey in Saudi Arabia
Riyad Mahrez is embarking on a new adventure in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli after a successful five-year tenure at Manchester City. Credit: None
Riyad Mahrez is embarking on a new adventure in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli after a successful five-year tenure at Manchester City.
Having arrived at the Etihad in 2018 from Leicester City, Mahrez was a prominent figure in Pep Guardiola's squad, making 236 appearances and contributing 78 goals.
The former African Footballer of the Year, known for his exceptional skills and technique, was a favorite amongst City fans.
He achieved the remarkable feat of hitting double figures for goals in all five seasons at the Etihad, with a career-high of 24 in the 2021/22 season.
Additionally, he earned the Etihad Player of the Month award seven times.
Mahrez's last season saw him net 15 goals in 47 appearances, including a memorable hat-trick in the FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United at Wembley.
This achievement marked him as the first Manchester City player to score a treble at the national stadium.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Mahrez, who turns 33 next February, said, “To play for Manchester City has been an honour and privilege. I came to City to win trophies and enjoy my football and I achieved all that and so much more."
He leaves City as a Treble winner, with 11 major trophies under his belt, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three Carabao Cups, two Community Shield victories, and, a Champions League victory.
Mahrez added, “I’ve made a lifetime of wonderful memories and the manner of our Premier League title wins and the battles we’ve had with Liverpool and, last year, Arsenal, underlined our collective desire and mentality to be the best. Manchester City will forever be a huge and happy part of my life.”
Manchester City's Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, paid tribute to Mahrez's impact on the club, saying, “Riyad has been a major factor in our amazing successes over the past five years and his contribution will not be forgotten. He is a wonderful footballer to watch and leaves us with so many great memories."
