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Exciting statements of the Algerian magician
Algerian Riyad Mahrez made the emotional revelations during his appearance on Kora Break, where he revealed many scenes from the start of his professional career, his journey with Leicester City, in addition to the major offers he has received since winning the historic Premier League title.
Mahrez is considered one of the most famous Arab stars in history. He currently plays for Al-Ahly in Saudi Arabia and has managed to return to the podium by winning the AFC Champions League for the top flight in two consecutive games along with the local Super Cup.
A coincidence that changed Mahrez’s life
Mahrez said: “Leicester City didn’t want to sign me. A scout came to watch another player, but when he saw me, he asked. Who is this player?’
“Then they followed me for a whole year, then they made an official offer, but I didn’t want to go to England, I wanted to continue in France, because my dream was to play with Olympique de Marseille.
“I switched off my phone for 10 days and gave up on Leicester, but my agent called me and said the club were at the top of the Championship and wanted me badly, and he told me the value of the offer.
Mahrez explained that the issue was not only about money, as he asked for some details of the contract to be improved, adding: “I told them that it’s not all financial, but I want this number, and I was surprised that they immediately agreed and said:
He concluded his speech about that stage by saying: “Then I felt that I was wanted a lot and it was a great feeling. After that I even Googled Leicester City, then I agreed to the transfer.”
“Barcelona” and “Real” after the miracle of the league
Mahrez has revealed that Leicester City’s Premier League title win opened the door to Europe’s bigs, insisting he was close to leaving after a historic season.
“After winning the league I was close to joining Arsenal and I also spoke to big clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United.
“But Leicester’s management asked for huge sums of money, and at that time the prices of players had not reached what they are now, because it was before Neymar’s move to Paris Saint-Germain.”
“Paris Saint-Germain” refused
Mahrez also returned to talking about his difficult beginnings, revealing that Paris Saint-Germain refused to sign him when he was young.
“In 2010, a Paris Saint-Germain official was very honest with me and told me: Riyad, you will play with us in the reserve team.
He added: “He advised me to look for another opportunity, and then Le Havre asked me to audition.”
He continued. “They had a match between the test players and the reserves and I was playing the best and then the officials met and said they were going to pick only one player out of 15 players and that player is Mahrez.”
Mahrez revealed the details of his first contract with Le Havre, stressing that he was not satisfied with the salary offered to him.
“They only offered me a salary of 1,200 euros, with a bonus of 300 euros if I went to study for two hours in the morning,” he said.
He concluded. “I was upset with the offer and asked to improve it, but they refused, and in the end I agreed, and in addition to football, I also went to school.”
