Algeria star Riyad Mahrez has finally explained why he decided to leave Manchester City for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
The attacker surprisingly ended his five-year spell by joining a number of high-profile footballers in leaving European football for the Saudi Pro League.
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Mahrez sealed a move to Al Ahli in a deal reportedly worth £30 million, despite having two years left on his deal with the Premier League champions.
"I had two years left on my contract with Manchester City, I could have stayed," Mahrez told L'Equipe.
"It was really me who decided to leave. I felt that this opportunity would not come again. Maybe it was time to leave because I had spent five years at City and won everything.
"Txiki Begiristain (technical director) really wanted me to stay, and even Pep Guardiola. They made it clear to me. I weighed the pros and cons. And finally, I decided to leave. I don't regret it, I'm happy to be here."
The Algerian was also asked about standard of the Saudi Pro League compared to the leagues in Europe.
"The level of the Saudi league is not bad. It's going to get better and better. It's a championship that I'm learning. Here, they have put the resources into recruiting the best players.," he added.
"There's definitely quality, I think it's just the beginning. Can we compare it to Europe? I don't think so yet. But at this rate, in the near future, they can be among the five, six or seven best Championships in the world."
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