Mahrez announces retirement from national team

Abdullateef Fowewe

Riyad Mahrez has officially retired from international football, the Algerian winger confirmed in an interview with BeIN Sports on Friday.

The former Manchester City attacker, who also starred for Leicester City earlier in his career finishes his Algerian career with 85 goal contributions (goals and assists) in 119 appearances for the Desert Foxes.

“Today I close this chapter with pride,” Mahrez told BeIN Sports.

“Wearing the Algerian shirt has been an honour. I leave with many memories winning AFCON in 2019, the support of our fans, and moments I will never forget.”

Mahrez’s record places him among Algeria’s most prolific attackers.

He played a leading role in Algeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and produced a string of memorable moments for club and country, from trademark curling free-kicks to decisive goals in top-level domestic and continental competition.

His club success most notably Leicester City’s fairy-tale Premier League title in 2016 and later trophies with Manchester City further burnished his reputation as one of Africa’s standout wingers.

Manchester City congratulated Mahrez on his international career, “Congratulations on a fantastic international career, @Mahrez22 🇩🇿 Best of luck in retirement.”