Africa’s and Leicester Football Club’s 2016 Player of the Year, Riyad Mahrez has requested to leave the club this summer during the transfer window, according to SkyySports.
Mahrez was the star man of Leicester’s title winning campaign last season but has struggled for form this year. He came under serious questioning in the first half of the season under coach, Claudio Ranieri, but improved under the tenure of new boss, Craig Shakespeare.
Mahrez played 48 games in all for the Foxes this season, starring in all but two of the club’s league fixtures. He’s racked up 10 goals and 8 assists this season, as compared to the 18 goals and 10 assists accrued during the 2015/2016 campaign even though he played nine games less (39).
Mahrez was linked with a number of top clubs last year following his sterling performances but he penned a new deal that keeps him at the KingPower till 2020. But short statement released by the Algerian winger stated that he felt his time was up at the KingPower and that the time was right for a new experience.
“I am fiercely ambitious and feel that now is the time to move on to a new experience,” the second paragraph of the statement said.
New French champions AS Monaco and FA Cup winners Arsenal FC have emerged Mahrez’s top suitors this year. However, the Foxes value Mahrez at €35m, while the player reportedly demands up to €6m annually. The high wages may put off the French Champions, making room for Arsene Wenger to make Arsenal’s first signing of the window.
Read the full statement of the transfer request below:
“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.”
Source: NewsGhana.com.gh
