Mahrez: Why I left Man City for Al-Ahli

Former Manchester City ace Riyad Mahrez has lifted the lid on moving to the Saudi Pro League.

Mahrez stunned many in the football world by choosing a big money exit from European football.

The Algerian, who won the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup with the Citizens last season, admitted he wanted a change of scenery.

I had two years left on my contract with Manchester City, I could have stayed," Mahrez told L'Equipe this week.

It was really me who decided to leave. I felt that this opportunity (to join Al-Ahli) would not come again. Maybe it was time to leave because I had spent five years at City and won everything."

To be honest, I still have a taste of unfinished business," Mahrez added.

In the Champions League, I did not play the semi-final or the final. In previous seasons, I always started in the Champions League while always being impactful for my team.

This last year, I couldn't say it went badly, but I have a bit of this feeling of unfinished business.

I was offered four years in Saudi Arabia, in a Muslim country where I can definitely protect (and provide for) my family. There was also a new challenge, and a new project. So, I decided to leave, it wasn't a big deal."