“I burst into tears” – Wife of former Manchester City star reveals impact of ’emotional’ Saudi Arabia transfer switch

Redaction Willow Austin with Harry Winters
Published on 2024-02-13 13:45:43

Former Manchester City forward Riyad Mahrez made a £30 million exit from the Etihad Stadium during the summer transfer window, moving to the Saudi Pro League.

His departure, alongside centre-back Aymeric Laporte, was described as an “emotional rollercoaster” by his wife Taylor Ward. Mahrez spent five years at Manchester City, making 236 appearances, scoring 78 goals, and winning 11 trophies.

Despite signing a two-year contract extension in 2022, he moved to Al-Ahli in July and has been directly involved in 15 goals in 19 Saudi Pro League appearances this season.

Taylor Ward, in an interview with Mail Sport, revealed the shock of the move from Manchester to the Middle East.

Taylor Ward said: “That whole week was just an emotional rollercoaster really. It was a huge shock and I had absolutely no idea.

“One day we were planning for Riyad to go back to pre-season with City and then overnight we were moving to Saudi and I was planning this whole move.

“We were actually on holiday at the time and there was talk about the move. Riyad had a few years left on his contract at City and was really settled there.

“Every conversation was ‘we’re not going to move yet, it’s something we’ll consider in a few years’. I started hearing people from Saudi showing interest but never thought anything would come of it.

“He flew home two days early to start pre-season so as far as I was concerned he was going back to Man City and that was it. One day he rang me while I was sat on the beach and said “we’re moving and I’m going tomorrow’, that’s it.

“He put me on the phone to one of the girls at the club and I burst into tears – I was like ‘I can’t believe this is happening’. It happened so quick, you don’t get a minute to say bye to everyone. One minute he was starting pre-season, the next he was saying goodbye.”

The move to the Saudi Pro League was surprising for many, especially given his successful tenure at Manchester City. Throughout the summer window, Mahrez had been linked with a potential exit from City, but the rapid decision to move to Saudi Arabia caught many by surprise.

His wife’s account of the situation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes emotional turmoil that accompanied the sudden relocation.

Despite the unexpected move, Mahrez has been making an impact in the Saudi Pro League, proving himself as a valuable addition to Al-Ahli. His success and adaptability to the new league may continue to surprise and impress fans and pundits alike.

The surprising nature of Mahrez’s transfer, as described by his wife, highlights the unpredictable nature of football and the personal and emotional complexities that professional players and their families often experience when navigating new career opportunities in different parts of the world.

Read Original article on City Xtra