Mahrez Cites Age and Pressure as Reasons for Saudi Move

Riyad Mahrez, the Algerian winger currently playing for Al-Ahli, has openly discussed the factors behind his decision to join the Saudi Pro League. He highlighted his advancing age and desire for a new challenge after many years competing at the highest level in European football.

Mahrez signed with Al-Ahli in the summer of 2023, transferring from Manchester City. Since then, he has maintained impressive performances, contributing significantly to the club’s achievements, including back-to-back AFC Champions League titles and a domestic Super Cup, showcasing his abilities both in scoring and creating goals.

In an interview on the program “Kora Break,” Mahrez addressed misconceptions about his move, stating, “People think I’m on vacation here and away from pressure, but they don’t realize that the pressure at Al-Ahli is greater than at Leicester City, and it is on par with Manchester City, maybe even higher.”

He further explained the financial aspect of his transfer, acknowledging its importance but emphasizing the real challenge lies in being part of a project. “The financial side is there, and we won’t lie about that, everyone knows it. But the true challenge is being part of the project,” he said.

Mahrez also reflected on his age as a decisive factor, saying, “If I were younger, around 20 or 21, being asked to come here would have been a completely different matter. But at 32, I told myself, why not now?” This statement underscores how his age influenced his choice to embrace the Saudi league experience at this stage of his career.