Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola sent a letter to the former team star and Saudi Al-Ahly Jeddah player, Riyad Mahrez, in which he revealed the reasons for his departure from City, but the letter contained within it some reproach.
He talked about the reason for the departure of his former players, Mahrez and German Ilkay Gundogan (who moved to Barcelona), who were said to have been abandoned by the club and Guardiola did not want them. However, what was recently revealed confirms that the coach wanted the two players to stay, but they were the ones who insisted on leaving.
The two players contributed effectively to the Citizens winning the historic treble last season, but they preferred to leave the Etihad Stadium.
Before the match between City and Luton Town in the Premier League yesterday, Sunday, Guardiola said, “I wanted (Gondo) and Riyad (Mahrez) to stay here, but they wanted to leave for a new challenge in life and family, and other reasons.”
He continued, “Thank you guys, because without you it would have been impossible for anything to be achieved,” referring to winning the treble.
Dear Cityzens,
Today marks the end of an unforgettable chapter in my life, a five-year journey filled with countless memories. Before leaving, I wanted to thank the board, the manager and the staff for giving me the chance to prove myself at the highest level.
To my teammates,… pic.twitter.com/81mVXGoKrH
– Riyad Mahrez (@Mahrez22) July 28, 2023
Mahrez joined Manchester City in 2018 and participated in 236 matches, scoring 78 goals and making 59 assists.
All the best for the future, Riyad! 🫶@Mahrez22 ends his five year stay at City to join Al-Ahli Saudi Football Club. pic.twitter.com/zQCathsWIJ
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 28, 2023
After 5 seasons with City, during which he won 11 titles, Mahrez signed a 4-season contract with Al-Ahly Jeddah, and reports indicated that the deal amounted to 30 million pounds sterling (about 38 million dollars).
Will never forget 💔
pic.twitter.com/ppHz2PscPJ— Eman (@mcfcEman) July 28, 2023
The best player in England in 2016 said in a farewell message, “I spent 5 unforgettable years with this club, working alongside amazing players, wonderful fans, and the best coach in the world.”
Mahrez contributed to Manchester City winning the league title 4 times (in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023), the Champions League for the first time in its history this year, the League Cup 3 times in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and the FA Cup twice in 2019 and 2023.
As for the German international, he participated in 304 matches with Man City, scoring 60 goals and providing 40 assists since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium in 2016.
