PFA Player of the Year and Leicester City’s creative genius Riyad Mahrez has had a phenomenal season in the Premier League and amid strong interest from a number of top clubs, the Algerian has stated that he would like to stay with the Foxes next season.
Riyad Mahrez’s transition from a mere £400,000 player for the Foxes in the Championship to a Premier League superstar has caught the attention of people worldwide. A breakthrough season has seen Mahrez appear on the transfer radar of a number of major clubs in the Premier League, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal being interested in signature.
As such, the Algerian’s recent statements will come as a blow to the clubs in his pursuit, with the 25-year-old committing his future to Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester City for the near future. Having spearheaded the Foxes’ remarkable Premier League success this term, Mahrez pledged to stay on to help the East Midlands outfit fight for bigger honours next season. Upon being asked about his future and whether he will stay with the club under Ranieri, Mahrez responded in the affirmative.
The Mirror quoted the midfielder as saying, “I am very happy, I was very proud to have this trophy – some things are amazing.”
Speaking about his manager, Mahrez said, “We know he’s funny, he likes to joke and he’s a good person.”
The French-born Algerian international has also been linked with a move back to France with PSG showing interest in securing his services. However, the midfielder ruled out the move stating that the French Ligue 1 is not a challenge that excites him. He was quoted by Goal as saying, “I don’t really want to go back to France. France does not really excite me, I love England.
“PSG has become a very big club. They have strong players and the club is currently building a big project. I loved Marseille when I was a boy. Even today, Paris doesn’t make me dream. This is my town, but I don’t see myself returning.”
Staying at Leicester City the right move for Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez has netted 17 goals and assisted a further 11 in a season that has seen him receive the Algerian Player of the Year award alongside the title of PFA Player of the Year. His commitment to Leicester’s future comes shortly after Claudio Ranieri’s rallying call to his title-winning side, asking them to stay at the King Power Stadium for another season before they assess their future.
The 25-year-old will be an upgrade to any of the teams chasing him at the moment after the phenomenal form he has showcased over the last year. As such, it would be hard for the attacking midfielder to turn down clubs of the stature of Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona.
However, Mahrez understands that he owes it to Leicester City to snub the big guns and stay on for at least one more season and help them compete with the best teams in Europe in the Champions League next season.
