28 July 2023 , 11:30
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Riyad Mahrez has completed his £30million move from Manchester City to Saudi club Al Ahli - and will now earn an incredible £750,000-a-week for a two-year stint in the desert.
City confirmed that the deal has gone through after Al Ahli met their asking price for the Algerian winger, who won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three Carabao Cups and the Champions League during his time at the Etihad after joining the club in a £60m deal from Leicester five years ago.
The 32-year-old decided to take up the Saudi offer after Pep Guardiola left him out of his team for both the FA Cup final and Champions League final as the Blues won the treble last season.
Mahrez, who also won the Premier League with Leicester, insisted he leaves with no regrets. He 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. I have had five unforgettable years with this football club, working with unbelievable players, fantastic supporters, and the best manager in the world.
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“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.”
Mahrez, who captained his country to an African Cup of Nations triumph in 2019, is the second player to depart City in the aftermath of their clean sweep. Captain Ilkay Gundogan joined Barcelona after his contract expired.
City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “Riyad has been a major factor in our amazing successes over the past five years and his contribution will not be forgotten,” he said.
“He is a wonderful footballer to watch and leaves us with so many great memories.
“There are few wingers that possess his levels of skill and technique in world football, and he will be missed, but everyone will all wish him the best as he begins a new chapter in his career.”