Riyad Mahrez claims he was 'never worried' about Man City transfer speculation

At one point this summer, Riyad Mahrez was one of many Manchester City players linked with a transfer away from the club.

With just a year left on his contract, Mahrez, 31, would have been a candidate for sale if City wanted to ensure they got a fee for the experienced winger. But with Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling departing, Mahrez has stayed put and signed a contract extension earlier this month.

While there was plenty of talk around his future at the start of the transfer window, Mahrez says he was never worried about leaving City and explained how Manchester is where he sees himself for the foreseeable future.

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Speaking to reporters in Green Bay ahead of City's second pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich, Mahrez said: "No, I was never worried. I believe in working hard, whatever you do, you get rewarded. I've never been worried. I'm very happy to stay here, I love the club and that's where I feel the best here.

"Of course [Manchester feels like home]. It's difficult saying this, because I'm from a way different area, from Paris, which is so different to Manchester, but yeah, like you said, my family is here as well, it's like a 50-50 home. I really wanted to keep the stability because I feel good in Manchester."

Mahrez has welcomed a child this summer with his partner, and he says he is confident he can continue performing at a high level in the coming years after signing his new contract.

"I started a bit later. Listen, only the future will tell us but at the moment I feel very good," he explained. "I think I can play a long [time] due to the way I am, my physicality and stuff, but until you arrive at that age. But at the