Riyad Mahrez, who is preparing to play his second Champions League semi-final this evening, returned to his football season in the columns of the newspaper Arab News. The opportunity for Fennec to discuss the disappointments experienced with the national team.
The start of 2022 was not easy for Riyad Mahrez who took part in the double failure of the Greens, in the African Cup of Nations and in the qualifying play-offs at the World Cup in Qatar. This painful experience was later concealed behind the Algerian’s striking success with his club, Manchester City, in the Premier League and Champions League.
«I’m very disappointed, but I have to move on.”
Riyad Mahrez was probably going to play his last World Cup. Unfortunately, Algeria was eliminated by Cameroon one evening on March 29 (1-2) and the captain of EN will not be present in Qatar. A reality that gives a feeling of bitterness for the player with 75 selections. ” I am obviously very disappointed not to go to the World Cup with my country. It is the worst experience of my career “, he confessed.
The way EN was knocked out of the race doesn’t lessen that pain. Since the men of Djamel Belamdi saw their dream of the World Cup fly away 10 seconds from the end of the match. On this subject, the winger confessed: “It was so unpleasant. The script was very sore. But at the end, I have to try to forget and move on and try to help my club achieve things”.
«I feel good at City”
Riyad Mahrez wants to put behind him the ” pire moment in his footballing career to help Manchester City achieve the double. The current top scorer SkyBlues of this season has the championship in its sights, but especially the Cup with big ears. ” Obviously, the Champions League is a very big competition. We try to do our best and reach the semi-finals, the last part of the competition and we have to be focused. We’re going to give everything to get through.” he indicated.
With 23 goals scored in all competitions and nine assists, the Algerian disputes his ” best season, in terms of numbers “, before adding:” But I know I could have done better too “. For him, the important thing: it’s good to help the team try to win and that’s what I try to do every time I play. »
Under contract with Citizens until June 2023the native of Sarcelles should continue his adventure with Manchester City until the end, a club where he ” feel good “. While he has been associated with several European leaders, the Greens international said: “ After four years here I have more experience, I know my body better, I know everything, my teammates and the manager, so it’s easier for me ».
DZfoot