Riyad Mahrez regrets losing two years at the top level at Leicester City
In a disappointing but not surprising admission, Riyad Mahrez has expressed his regret at losing two years at the highest level at Leicester City.
The former Fox was perhaps the hottest property in the Premier League in 2016, as he bagged 17 goals and 11 assists on his way to landing the PFA Player of the Year award.
Offers from other clubs soon followed, one of which was from Arsenal. While we know that Leicester kindly rejected the Gunners’ bid, what we do not know is how much did Mahrez personally want move at the time.
“Very much”, it seems, is the answer – according to the man himself. Speaking to France Football, he said:
"“After the title, if I’d left for a top team, it wouldn’t have been the same story.“For me, it’s clear that I lost two years at the highest level. I lost two years! Because instead of arriving at City at 27, I could have been there at 24, 25.“My agent had spoken to [Arsene] Wenger who really wanted me. It was nearly all done with Arsenal in 2016. I was really frustrated.“It wasn’t easy to go from being the best player in the Premier League to being a part of a team fighting against relegation.“It’s not the same job. Everyone is waiting for you around the corner.”"
Well, what can we say? Those comments, coming for a club that is, in every way, responsible for the reverence and recognition that Mahrez has earned, are no less than disgraceful and impudent.
To go so far as to say that he lost two years because of Leicester, and that it wasn’t easy for him to play for a relegation contender – which Leicester never really have been after 2015 – is disrespect of the highest order. It shows how little the club means to him.
To think some fans would have him back. He doesn’t deserve being anyway near the King Power Stadium.
Next. Brendan Rodgers: Fear of competition not why Leicester City forward rejected Arsenal. dark
We would rather have a committed academy player than someone who does not respect the club and what it did for him. He might be a world-class player, yes, but attitude wise, he is third-class. As harsh as it may sound, it is true.