Mahrez has publicly revealed the major reason he left Man City to play for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli

Riyad Mahrez Opens Up on Departure from Man City to Al-Ahli: Balancing Unfinished Business and New Horizons.

In a surprising move, Riyad Mahrez recently departed Manchester City to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli.

Despite having “unfinished business” in the Champions League, Mahrez chose to embrace a new chapter in his career.

This article delves into the details of his departure, shedding light on the reasons behind the shift and Mahrez’s reflections on his decision.

The Move to Al-Ahli:
Confirmed by Premier League champions Manchester City in July 2023, Mahrez’s departure to Al-Ahli marked a significant development in the summer transfer window.

The Algerian winger, excluded from the pre-season tour squad to address his future, completed a £30 million ($37 million) transfer to the Saudi Pro League side, underlining a growing trend of top European players making their way to the Middle East.

Mahrez’s Perspective on Leaving City:
Pep Guardiola wanted Mahrez to remain at the Etihad Stadium despite leaving him on the bench for a Champions League final win over Inter, and the 32-year-old forward has told L’Equipe why he bid farewell to England:

“I had two years left on my contract with Manchester City; I could have stayed. It was really me who decided to leave. I felt that this opportunity would not come again. Maybe it was time to leave because I had spent five years at City and won everything. Txiki Begiristain (the technical director) really wanted me to stay, and even Pep Guardiola. They made it clear to me. I weighed the pros and cons. And finally, I decided to leave. I don’t regret it; I’m happy to be here.”

Assessment of the Saudi Pro League:
Mahrez also shared his thoughts on the quality of the Saudi Pro League, highlighting its potential for growth.

While acknowledging that it may not yet compare to European leagues, he expressed optimism about its trajectory, noting the investment in recruiting top players and envisioning it as a future contender among the world’s best championships.

Reflections on the Champions League Final Snub:
Despite his success in Saudi Arabia, Mahrez admitted to a lingering sense of “unfinished business” regarding the Champions League.

He lamented not playing in the semi-final or final, a departure from previous seasons where he played a pivotal role.

The allure of a four-year contract in a Muslim country, providing for his family, and embracing a new challenge ultimately swayed his decision to leave Europe.

Current Success at Al-Ahli:
Mahrez’s transition to Al-Ahli has been marked by success, with six goals in 14 appearances. Al-Ahli currently sits third in the Saudi Pro League, trailing behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and league leaders Al-Hilal.

As Mahrez and his team gear up for their upcoming match against Al-Shabab, the winger remains committed to his new venture, embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with his decision to join Al-Ahli.