Riyad Mahrez has completed his transfer from Manchester City to Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
The athletic reported earlier this month that the clubs had agreed a deal worth €35 million (£30.4 million, $39.2 million) plus €5 million in add-ons.
Mahrez was not part of City’s pre-season tour side and has now signed a three-year contract, with a conditional fourth-place finish, with the Saudi Pro League side.
The 32-year-old won 11 major trophies with City after joining from Leicester in 2018 and went on to score 78 goals in 236 appearances.
“Playing for Manchester City has been an honor and a privilege,” Mahrez said in quotes posted on City’s official website.
“I came to City to win trophies and enjoy my football and I achieved all that and more.
“I’ve had five unforgettable years at this football club, with incredible players, fantastic supporters and the best manager in the world.
“I’ve made wonderful memories for a lifetime and the way we won our Premier League titles and the battles we’ve had with Liverpool and, last year, Arsenal underlined our collective desire and mindset to be the best. Manchester City will forever be a big and happy part of my life.”
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City Football Manager Txiki Begiristain said: “Riyadh has been a major factor in our tremendous successes over the past five years and his contribution will not be forgotten.
“He is a great footballer to watch and he leaves us with so many great memories. There are few wingers with his skill and technique in world football, and he will be missed, but everyone will wish him well as he heads to a new chapter in his career begins.”
City were aware of the possibility of losing Mahrez this summer and have drawn up plans to replace him with a new winger in the event of a move.
They have also stepped up their efforts to retain Bernardo Silva, who has also been approached by Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.
Mahrez is the latest high-profile name to move to the Saudi Pro League after the Saudi Arabian sports ministry announced in June that the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) would take control of four teams in the Saudi Pro League — Al Ahli , Al Ittihad , Al Hilal and Al Nassr.
Al Ahli has already signed Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino on a free transfer from Liverpool.
(Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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