Riyad Mahrez says he wishes to conclude his career at Manchester City and has no plans to retire any time soon.
The winger signed a new deal in July that keeps him at the Etihad until 2025 after ending last season as the club’s top goalscorer with 24 across all competitions. However, the Algerian has started just three times this season and has only seen out a whole 90 minutes on one occasion.
He is yet to score or assist this campaign after eight outings while first choice Bernardo Silva has recorded two goals and three assists. Mahrez has lifted three league titles, an FA Cup and three League Cups since his 2018 switch from Leicester.
He is well-liked by fans and it seems the 31-year-old reciprocates this feeling, admitting his desire is to stay in Manchester for the rest of his playing days. Speaking to in-house media, he said: “I definitely want to finish my career at City and play as long as I can.
“I think I can still play for a long time. We’ll see what the future holds after football. I don’t know (about what to do after retirement). I’m still thinking. I love football so it’ll be difficult to come out of it.”
Reflecting on his 13-year career so far — which included the unforgettable 2015/16 Premier League triumph with Leicester — Mahrez added: “Yeah, I always wanted to be successful in football, that was my only target.
“Some people want to be successful in a few things, for me the only thing was football. I left school at 17 and went 100 per cent on football.
“I tried to give it my all and fortunately I made it. It wasn’t easy, it still isn’t, but you have to make a lot of sacrifices. At the end, when you do everything, it’s your destiny.”
Source: m.allfootballapp.com