Riyad Mahrez: 'Manchester City saga is in the past'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 08 March 2018

Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez claims that his failed move to Manchester City is now "in the past" and that he is keen to focus his attention on life with the Foxes.

Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez has admitted that he is keen 'to move forward', having failed to secure a transfer to Manchester City during the January window.

After the Foxes rejected the advances of Premier League leaders City, Mahrez opted to go on a week-long strike and the Algerian international has indicated that he does not regret the decision to spend time away from the club.

However, the playmaker has stressed that he now wants to focus his full attention on Leicester having being welcomed back into the first-team squad by his teammates.

The 27-year-old told Sky Sports News: "I was away from here because I needed some time to think, it was a difficult situation. Manchester City is a good move for everyone but it is the past.

"It is behind me. If we start talking about this it's like coming back to the transfer window and now I'm moving forward, trying to give my best for the team. You'll always have regrets but at that time I thought it was the best thing to do.

"It was difficult, I've always been in contact with the club. The club handled it very well. When the teammates and the club were behind me it was OK, it was very easy to come back here."

Manager Claude Puel has said that he has been impressed with the attitude of Mahrez since his return to the King Power Stadium.