Riyad Mahrez has completed his £30million move from Manchester City to Saudi club Al Ahli – and will now earn an incredible £750,000-a-week for a two-year stint in the desert.
City confirmed that the deal has gone through after Al Ahli met their asking price for the Algerian winger.
The winger lifted four Premier League titles, the Champions League and five domestic cups with City, scoring 78 goals across 236 appearances.
Mahrez’s form was key to City progressing to a first Champions League final two years ago, which they lost against Chelsea, and he could have left during the two summers after that.
But the Algerian fought for his place before deciding the time was right to seek a departure after an historic Treble campaign.
‘To play for Manchester City has been an honour and privilege,’ Mahrez said. ‘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.’
Mahrez, 32, was the only member of Pep Guardiola’s squad not to fly to Asia on their pre-season tour as he sorted out a move to Saudi Arabia.
He added: ‘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. City will forever be a huge and happy part of my life.’
Sporting director Txiki Begiristain, who is looking for wingers, said: ‘Riyad has been a major factor in our amazing successes over the past five years and his contribution will not be forgotten.
‘He is a wonderful footballer to watch and leaves us with so many great memories.
‘There are few wingers that possess his levels of skill and technique in world football, and he will be missed, but everyone will all wish him the best as he begins a new chapter in his career.’
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