sport news Riyad Mahrez reveals why he left Man City to join Saudi Arabia giants Al-Ahli - ... trends now
Riyad Mahrez has lifted the lid on his £30million move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, revealing it was his decision to leave Manchester City after winning the Treble.
The Algerian winger, who racked up a rich portfolio of trophies at the Etihad, bowed out in style by winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League last season before agreeing to join the Saudi giants in the summer.
Despite adding a first Champions League medal to the collection last campaign, Mahrez was not picked by Pep Guardiola to start against Real Madrid in the last four or Inter Milan in the final.
The former Leicester City title winner was not even selected off the bench during June's showpiece final in Istanbul.
While opening up on his City exit, Mahrez admitted he was deeply disappointed to miss out on the crucial matches but urged it was not the reason why he left the Etihad in July.
Former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez has opened up on his Etihad exit last summer
The 32-year-old winger (left) signed for Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ahli as part of a £30m move
Pep Guardiola and Mahrez have an animated conversation as the Algerian prepares to sit on the bench during Manchester City's Champions League final against Inter Milan in June
'I had two years left on my contract with Manchester City, I could have stayed,' Mahrez told French newspaper L'Equipe this week.
'It was really me who decided to leave. I felt that this opportunity (to join Al-Ahli) would not come again. Maybe it was time to leave because I had spent five years at City and won everything.'
Now the main man for Al-Ahli, alongside fellow Premier League stars Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy and Allan Saint-Maximin, the 32-year-old star chose to begin a new chapter
