Riyad Mahrez has joined Al-Ahli Saudi Football Club from Manchester City.
After joining the Club in 2018, the Algerian winger spent five years with them.
During his time at the Etihad, Mahrez made 236 appearances, scoring 78 goals and assisting 59 more for his teammates, becoming an indispensable element of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
He won an incredible 11 major championships with City and exits as a Treble winner in his final season.
The former African Footballer of the Year became a great crowd favorite among City fans, scoring many memorable goals along the way, including numerous amazing free-kicks and volleys.
He scored in double digits in each of his five seasons at the Etihad, and his 24 goals in 2021/22 were a career high.
Additionally, he won seven times as Etihad Player of the Month.
He made 47 appearances and scored 15 goals for Manchester City last season, including an incredible hat-trick against Sheffield United at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final in April.
He won four Premier League championships during his five years at Chelsea. Mahrez has also won the Champions League and, of course, the FA and Carabao Cups.
Mahrez played 46 Champions League games for City. He has record of 16 goals and averaging more than one per three games in the league.
Riyad Mahrez flies to Saudi for new Career Journey
Mahrez will now face a new struggle in Saudi Arabia.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to play for Manchester City,” said Mahrez, who will turn 33 in February.
“I came to City to win trophies and have fun playing football, and I have done both and so much more.”
“I have spent five unforgettable years with this football club, working with incredible players, fantastic fans, and the best manager in the world.”
“I’ve made a lifetime of wonderful memories, and the manner in which we won the Premier League title and battled Liverpool and, last year, Arsenal highlighted our collective desire and mentality to be the best.”
“Manchester City will forever be a huge and happy part of my life.”
Txiki Begiristain, Director of Football, gave his own tribute to Riyad throughout his tenure with the Club.
“Riyad has been a major factor in our amazing successes over the past five years.”
“His contribution will not be forgotten,” he said.
“He’s a fantastic footballer to watch and leaves us with so many wonderful memories.”
“There are few wingers in the world with his levels of skill and technique, and he will be missed, but everyone wishes him the best as he begins a new chapter in his career.”
Everyone at Manchester City wishes Riyad the best of luck in his future endeavors.
