I’M NO REBEL
Mahrez returns to blast AWOL claim
RIYAD MAHREZ has denied going AWOL after his dream Manchester City move collapsed.
The Leicester star hit out after making a surprise return to training and travelling to Manchester on the team bus for today’s clash at the Etihad. Mahrez, who hadn’t been seen for 10 days and missed two matches for the Foxes, said: “Leicester City were always aware of my whereabouts and had knowledge of my thinking either directly or via my advisors. “I have been part of the Leicester team that has achieved much success, including promotion to the Premier League and being champions. “My goals have always been the same and I have always given my full 100 per cent when I play for the club, the fans and my team-mates.” His reappearance yesterday was the first time he had been seen at the club since his deadline day switch to Pep Guardiola’s side broke down. The former PFA Footballer of the Year was said to be depressed after the Foxes refused to budge on their
£80m valuation. He handed in a transfer request to try to force the move through and had not been seen until arriving at Leicester’s training complex in a blacked-out people carrier, his face hidden by a hoodie.
Leicester manager Claude Puel said there were no hard feelings about the way City went for Mahrez after an injury to Leroy Sane forced their hand.
Puel said: “We need to manage this calmly. There’s no revenge about Manchester City or the club.
“We are professionals without feelings like that. I think it is important always to keep a clear and a good focus on our play, not have bad feelings about revenge or other things.”
Mahrez (right) trained with his team-mates and had lunch with them, leaving on the coach to a hotel outside Manchester.
His appearance on the bus came as a surprise and is thought to be the first step in a re-integration process.
But the chances of him being involved in the match-day squad this evening are slim.
City boss Guardiola said he did not feel any responsibility for the Mahrez affair.
“In all transfers, the clubs call the clubs, it’s simple like that,” said Guardiola.
“After that we are not involved in absolutely anything. It’s a decision for the player and the club, not Manchester City.”
Guardiola said he hoped Mahrez was in the Leicester side today, adding: “I love to play with the best sides and the best players.
“I wish he can come back as soon as possible and play, he’s an extraordinary player and everyone enjoys watching the better players.”