Riyad Mahrez admits Pep Guardiola’s presence was a major factor in his decision to sign for Manchester City – and he hopes to win trophies “every season” with his new club.
The 27-year-old joined the Premier League champions from Leicester City for a reported fee of £60million, making him the club’s record signing.
While preparing for friendlies against Liverpool and Bayern Munich in the International Champions Cup, the Algerian revealed Guardiola’s winning habit drew him to City.
Manchester City
@ManCity
Rocket from Riyad! #mancity
“I’m an ambitious player, I want to win trophies every season,” Mahrez told the media. “I think Manchester City is a club who try and have ambition to win every season.
“It’s a big club, the football they play is amazing, with a big manager. That’s why I’m here.”
“He’s very ambitious,” said Mahrez. “He wants to win everything. He works very hard in training on small details.
“I will improve under him and he will improve the squad.”
Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva, who will be battling with Mahrez for a place in Guardiola’s starting line-up, said his new team-mate has nothing to prove.
“Everyone knows the way he plays,” Silva said of Mahrez.
“He’s a fantastic player who can improve our team. To have him with us, it’s great.
“In the Premier League he has shown how good he is and we hope this season he can do the same.”
