Riyad Mahrez made a surprise return to Manchester City’s training ground this week, joining current stars for a nostalgic visit.
The 34-year-old, who played a starring role in City’s most successful era, was seen strolling through the Etihad campus, sharing laughs with familiar faces.
Mahrez joined City from Leicester in 2018 and went on to score 78 goals in 236 appearances, helping deliver four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League title.
For Rodri, the return was a reminder of those golden years. In a playful moment captured on social media, he compared the Algerian cult hero to one of City’s summer signings.
Rodri playfully told Mahrez, while pointing to £32million attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki: ‘He is like you.’
Cherki joined City from Lyon this summer, arriving before their Club World Cup campaign, where he scored once in four matches.
Riyad Mahrez took a nostalgic trip back to Man City’s training ground to link up with old faces
The 34-year-old was compared to City’s new attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki by Rodri
Mahrez now suits up for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, having joined for £30million in 2023
Mahrez’s six seasons in Manchester saw him rack up 78 goals and 59 assists in 236 appearances, cementing his place as one of Guardiola’s most reliable wide men.
His contributions were pivotal in City’s four Premier League title triumphs, particularly the 2021-22 campaign when he finished as the club’s top scorer with 24 goals in all competitions.
He was also instrumental in ending City’s wait for Champions League glory in 2023.
In July 2023, the Algerian completed a £30m move to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, signing a lucrative four-year deal.
Since then, he has continued to showcase his quality in the Middle East, quickly becoming one of the league’s headline attractions alongside the wave of high-profile European imports.
Mahrez has netted 29 goals in 78 appearances for Al-Ahli, helping guide them to third and fifth-place league finishes in his two seasons.
