CITY Mahrez: Pep factor attracted me to City

RIYAD Mahrez has revealed City’s style of play attracted him to the club.

The Blues confirmed the Algeria international’s arrival on a five-year contract last night after a lengthy summer transfer saga.

He joins for a club-record £60m fee and is raring to go ahead of the new season.

“Of course the way we play attracted me here,” Mahrez said.

“But also because it is a big club. I want to win titles and I know this is the best club to try to win things.

“With this manager and this team, everything [is here].”

The transfer to City is one Mahrez believes he deserves after six years at Leicester.

He has reached double figures for goals and assists in two of the last three seasons for the Foxes and was the PFA Players’ Player of the Year when the club won the Premier League in 2016.

The 27-year-old was one of the first names on the teamsheet at Leicester, but he won’t be afforded that luxury at the Etihad given the competition for places in Pep Guardiola’s team.

“In football there is always competition and we must have competition in the team if we want to improve personally and collectively,” Mahrez said.

“I think it is a good thing to have a lot of good players so that we can push each other as a team.

“I’ve always had the same goal to play at the highest level.

“I think I’ve been playing at a high level for three years now and signing for Manchester City is a big step for me, but I am very happy and now I just have to perform and help the team. I am sure I can play at this level.”

The attacker was glowing in his praise of City boss Guardiola after the club’s incredible 2017-18 campaign.

“He (Guardiola) has won everywhere he has been and he has won a lot of titles – at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and here at City,” Mahrez said.

“The first year may have been a bit difficult but what they did last year was amazing and unbelievable.

“He’s the type of manager who likes to play. When you see his teams you know it’s a Guardiola team, he has his print on the team and I’m very happy to play under him. I hope we will achieve a lot of things together.”

He added: “To reach 100 points as well and break the records was amazing for the club last season.

“I hope we can continue at the same level or maybe more. I’ve been watching like everyone and it’s been an unbelievable year.

“Manchester City is a very big club with very big players and with the confidence achieved from last year I think this season will be a very good season. I am very confident about it and I think we can do big things together.”

City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “Riyad is a hugely talented player. He beats defenders and creates space. Over the past few years, he has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting players. We’re sure he will bring additional attacking quality to our squad.”

Mahrez will wear the No.26 shirt, the number he wore at Leicester.