Man City and Txiki Begiristain pay tribute to Riyad Mahrez as £30m Al-Ahli transfer confirmed

Riyad Mahrez says that Manchester City will forever be part of his life, as the Algerian was confirmed as an Al-Ahli player.

Mahrez leaves City in a deal rising to £30m, having joined in 2018 for £60m. In his five years at the Etihad, Mahrez won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League. He scored 78 goals in 236 appearances, registering 59 assists, with key goals in big games - particularly in the run to the 2021 Champions League final.

At 32, Mahrez has opted to leave City for Saudi Arabia having still had two years left on his contract. He joins Al Ahli on a four-year contract, who have signed Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino this summer.

Paying tribute, City Sporting Director Txiki Begiristain said that Mahrez will not be forgotten at City, adding that few players in the world can match his 'skill and technique.'

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In a parting message, Mahrez 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.

“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.”

The Manchester Evening News are producing a special 48-page 2023/24 season preview to look at what the