“Bro, you cannot compare!” – Riyad Mahrez hits back at decline suggestions since Manchester City exit | OneFootball

Former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez has insisted you cannot compare his previous club in England to his current club in Saudi Arabia.

The Algeria international captain won everything available to him during his time in Englsih football, beginning with a historic Premier League title success with Leicester City in 2016, and culminating in a UEFA Champions League triumph in 2023.

During that time, a blockbuster move to Manchester City was completed that would take his career to new highs under the coaching of Pep Guardiola, claiming multiple domestic honours and playing a significant role in the Treble success of 2022/23.

Mahrez would ultimately bring an end to his time at the Etihad Stadium by joining Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli in the summer market of 2023 penning a contract until the summer of 2027 and securing a £30 million deal for the Premier League champions.

Speaking to Alkass TV on Monday evening, Riyad Mahrez was quizzed on why he is no longer the same player that featured for City over the course of some of the club’s most successful years in its history.

“Bro, you cannot compare Manchester City and here (Saudi Arabia)! You need everyone to play good, I told you before. Me, I’m a team player,” Mahrez told reporters.

“I’m not (Lionel) Messi, I cannot take the ball and go alone. If the team plays good, me play good. You understand?”

Despite now being 33-years-old, Mahrez has managed to produce some hugely commendable numbers in front of goal for the Saudi Arabian club across the course of his 52 appearances since joining from Manchester City.

Alongside his 18 goals in that time, Mahrez has also managed to record a further 21 assists in an Al Ahli side that also boasts the talents of Edouard Mendy, Gabri Veiga, Ivan Toney, and Franck Kessie.