July 16, (THEWILL) – Two years ago on this day, July 16, Algerian danger forward Riyad Mahrez scored a last gasp free-kick against Nigeria’s Super Eagles to send the Desert Foxes of Algeria to the AFCON final. On the anniversary of that spectacular personal achievement, the player is in the news with his contract situation at the centre.
The Manchester City star, who highlighted his importance to the Etihad club during last season’s UEFA Champions League with a brace that sent the Cityzens to their first UCL final qualification in their history, has taken time to emphasise his commitment to his club amid transfer rumours.
Mahrez’s name had come up during this transfer window linking him with a move to north London club Arsenal but the forward stressed the impossibility of the rumours when he said he “doesn’t see higher” than the reigning Premier League champions after winning the trophies he has won with them since his 2018 move from Leicester.
So far, the Algerian has lifted the league, Carabao Cup and FA Cup at the Etihad and has no plans of moving elsewhere any time soon.
For him there was no question to mull over: “What if I want to go higher? I do not see what is higher [than Manchester City ]. To try another championship [elsewhere]? No. I really love England and English football is wonderful. I don’t want to leave. I still have goals to pursue here.
“When you see Guardiola wants you, it’s flattering. The acclimatisation here was not easy, but our relationship today, everyone knows [is great].”
He has shown himself worthy of the £60 million fee City parted with to earn his services. He was the star man for the Leicester’s incredible title win in 2016, winning the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in the process. He’s also won the African Cup of Nations with his national team after ending Nigeria’s dreams with that last minute winner.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
