‘Wanted to play for them’ – Five-time Premier League winner reveals Barcelona dream and failed transfer talks | OneFootball

Former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez has admitted that his biggest football dream was to play for Barcelona alongside Lionel Messi under Pep Guardiola.

The Algerian star, who became one of the Premier League’s most entertaining attackers during his time at Leicester City and Manchester City, opened up about the transfer opportunities he had before eventually moving to the Etihad Stadium.

Mahrez played a historic role in Leicester City’s unforgettable Premier League title-winning campaign and became one of the most wanted wingers in European football. 

Several major clubs reportedly explored a deal for him during that period, including Barcelona and Real Madrid.

A failed Barcelona dream

Mahrez wanted to play for Barcelona. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Speaking during an interview on Koora Break, the former Manchester City winger revealed just how strongly he wanted the Barcelona move to happen.

“My dream was to play for Barcelona with Guardiola and Messi. I spoke to many teams before joining City. 

“I spoke to Real Madrid, Barcelona and United, but Leicester were asking for very high transfer fees to let me go, and I didn’t have a release clause, so I couldn’t join those teams.”

A contract with no clause

Mahrez also admitted that one contract decision during his Leicester City days ultimately stopped him from securing a move earlier in his career.

Mahrez now plays in Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

Reflecting on the situation, the Algerian international explained, 

“[N’Golo] Kante was smarter to include a €30 million release clause in his contract to join Chelsea, whereas I had turned it down, which forced me to stay at Leicester for two more years.”

Instead, Mahrez eventually reunited with Guardiola at Manchester City, where he became one of the Spanish manager’s most trusted attacking weapons. 

The winger went on to win four Premier League titles, five domestic trophies, and the Champions League in England.

Source: AS