Riyad Mahrez wants to leave Leicester.
The Algerian was central to Leicester’s 5000/1 title heist of last season, terrorising opposition defences with his elusive dribbling, treating spectators to his jaw-dropping ball control and repaying Claudio Ranieri for the faith he showed in him.
Mahrez was the revelation of the season, scoring 17 goals for The Foxes and earning himself the PFA Player of the Year.
He was simply fantastic.
The Algerian was linked with a move to Barcelona and Arsenal during the summer before he committed his future to Leicester by penning a new four-year deal.
The 2016/2017 season didn’t go as planned for the Algerian, or for Leicester City, with Claudio Ranieri losing his job after the club was dragged into a relegation dogfight, before Craig Shakespeare guided them to safety.
This is a huge blow for the Foxes who lost N’Golo Kante to Chelsea last season. Mahrez referenced his ambition in the statement, which he feels he couldn’t satisfy at the club.
Monaco have been installed as the favourites to attain the Algerians services after he was spotted in the company of a man wearing a Monaco top on Monday.
https://twitter.com/MediaShaneBurns/status/868865575707082753
Despite the late-season resurgence, Mahrez wants out, as confirmed by his statement today, which reads:
“Out of the huge admiration and respect I hold for Leicester City Football Club I wanted to be totally honest and transparent with them and have therefore informed the club that I feel now is the time for me to move on.
“I had a good discussion with the Chairman last summer and we agreed at that time that I would stay for another year in order to help the club as best as I could following the transition of winning the title and in the Champions League.
“However, I am fiercely ambitious and feel that now is the time to move on to a new experience.
“I’ve always enjoyed a good relationship with the Chairman and everyone at the club, and I hope I have been able to repay the faith shown to me by my performances and commitment on the pitch during my time here.
“I’ve had the four best seasons of my career at Leicester and have loved every moment. I feel immense pride to have been a part of what we have achieved during my time at the club, culminating in becoming Premier League Champions.
“The relationship I share with the club and our amazing fans is something I will treasure forever and I truly hope they will understand and respect my decision.”
How will they replace the irreplaceable?
