Tuesday 30 May 2017 20:33, UK
Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez has asked to leave the club.
The Algeria international joined the Foxes from Le Havre in January 2014 and helped them secure promotion to the Premier League in the 2014/15 season.
Mahrez also played a key role in helping them secure the title last season, scoring 18 goals in 39 matches in all competitions.
But after a disappointing league campaign that saw Claudio Ranieri lose his job and Craig Shakespeare handed the task of keeping them in the top-flight, Mahrez feels it is time to move on.
"Out of the huge admiration and respect I hold for Leicester City Football Club I wanted to be totally honest and transparent with them and have therefore informed the club that I feel now is the time for me to move on," the 26-year-old said in a statement.
"I had a good discussion with the chairman last summer and we agreed at that time that I would stay for another year in order to help the club as best as I could following the transition of winning the title and in the Champions League.
"However, I am fiercely ambitious and feel that now is the time to move on to a new experience.
"I've always enjoyed a good relationship with the chairman and everyone at the club, and I hope I have been able to repay the faith shown to me by my performances and commitment on the pitch during my time here.
"I've had the four best seasons of my career at Leicester and have loved every moment. I feel immense pride to have been a part of what we have achieved during my time at the club, culminating in becoming Premier League champions.
"The relationship I share with the club and our amazing fans is something I will treasure forever and I truly hope they will understand and respect my decision."
