‘It’s been an honour and privilege’ – Mahrez completes £30m move from Man City to Al-Ahli

Riyad Mahrez has completed his move from Manchester City to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, the Premier League outfit have announced.

City agreed a fee understood to be worth up to £30million with Al-Ahli for the Algeria international last week.

Mahrez, who leaves as a Premier League great, spent five years at the Etihad Stadium and helped the club win 11 trophies, including four Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Mahrez told the treble winners’ website, mancity.com: “To play for Manchester City has been an honour and privilege.

“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.

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“Manchester City will forever be a huge and happy part of my life.”

Don Hutchinson thinks it is probably the right time for Mahrez to leave Man City but acknowledges that the

“I think [Mahrez] is a fantastic player, velcro feet – when the ball goes to him, it sticks,” Hutchison said on the ESPN TV YouTube Channel.

“He’s got tricks, he’s got goals in him, he’s a match winner, but I think as a player you want to play. It’s alright winning championships and winning the treble but when it doesn’t feel like you’re a big part of it it can sort of feel a little bit empty.

“So, Riyad Mahrez is thinking ‘why don’t I cash in, why don’t I try and earn a lot of money?’ He’s going to obviously do that.

“City fans, I think will miss him a little bit because I think he’s a little bit of a cult hero there so he’ll be a miss in terms of his talent but if you’re not playing, then it might be worth the manager and the player looking at it and think it’s time to move.”