Mahrez not a Fox on the run

Leicester City confirmed on Wednesday that star winger Riyad Mahrez is not quitting soccer after a post appeared on the player’s Facebook page announcing he was retiring.

The post said the Algerian was retiring after a medical consultation, prompting an outpouring of disappointment from fans but also claims it was fake.

“After the last consultation with many doctors, I’ve decided to stay away from soccer,” the Facebook post read. “As my time as a soccer player comes to an end, I would like to say few words.

“I want to thank everybody for the kindness and support they have shown me in this incredible city, you will be always in my heart.”

A spokesman for the club told AFP that Mahrez’s account had been hacked.

“It was not a genuine post and we have been working with Facebook to get it removed,” he said. The post was later deleted. The Foxes ran a feature on Mahrez on their website on Wednesday looking at the impact of the player this season, giving credence to the hacking claim.

“Often found lurking on the shoulder of defenders, Mahrez has once again played his role as tormentor-in-chief for opposition players up and down the land this season,” the article read.

Mahrez scored his first goal last weekend since his failed move to Manchester City in the January transfer window. The Foxes rejected a City bid on deadline day, prompting the 27-year-old to stay away from the club for 10 days in an apparent sulk.

His stoppage-time freekick rescued a 1-1 draw for the 2016 Premier League champion against Bournemouth.

Foxes boss Claude Puel said Pep Guardiola’s City should have shown his club more respect in its pursuit of Mahrez.