Riyad Mahrez announces Algeria retirement after World Cup exit to Switzerland | OneFootball

Riyad Mahrez has ended his Algeria career after the 2-0 World Cup defeat by Switzerland. According to L'Équipe, the 35-year-old confirmed the decision in the mixed zone.

He made his debut in 2014. He said he told team-mates this would be his final match and admitted he would have preferred to continue, though he was proud of representing his country for 12 years.

Mahrez reflected that he would never forget the highs and lows, that playing for the shirt had been a childhood dream, and that it was time for the next generation to write their story.

He described wearing the colours as a source of pride for him, his family and his father, calling the journey exceptional and downplaying statistics. He highlighted the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and two runs to the World Cup second round, and said he would always support Algeria. He urged critics to let the youngsters grow, insisting they have talent and quality.

Rejected by academies, Mahrez rebuilt at Quimper in 2009, then exploded in England, where he was named player of the season in 2016. His rare technical finesse and ability to thrive in a high-intensity league underlined his intelligence and natural talent.

Team-mate Jaouen Hadjam said the squad were proud of Mahrez, praised his willingness to pass on knowledge and wished him well. He recalled arriving awestruck before quickly realising he was learning alongside him. Mahrez leaves with a 1-0 semi-final free-kick against Nigeria among images that inspired a generation.

Source: L'Équipe