Riyad Mahrez referenced Lionel Messi and lost his cool when he was asked why he isn’t as good as he was at Manchester City.
Mahrez scored 12 goals in all competitions for Al Ahli in his debut season following his transfer from Man City.
But he has only managed three goals this campaign as Al Ahli languish in sixth place in the Saudi Pro League, 13 points adrift of league leaders Al Ittihad.
Mahrez was in action yesterday as his side played out a 2-2 draw with Iranian outfit Esteghlal in the Asian Champions League.
He failed to get on the score-sheet and he was asked about his form following the result.
The 33-year-old, though, didn’t appreciate the question as he made his feelings clear before name-dropping Inter Miami superstar Messi.
Asked why he isn’t as good as he was at Man City, he replied: “Bro, you cannot compare Man City and here. You need everyone to play good.
“Me, I’m a team player, I’m not Messi,” he added. “I can’t take the ball and go alone.
“If the team play good, me play good. You understand?”
Mahrez scored 15 goals across all competitions in Man City’s treble-winning campaign before joining Al Ahli.
He bagged 78 goals in 236 games during his prolific five-year spell at the club.
The Algerian winger was widely regarded as one of the best forward-minded players in the Premier League following his incredible stints at Leicester City and Man City.
Her won four league titles at the Etihad not to mention his league triumph with Leicester, where he earned his move to Man City in the summer of 2018.
However, according to some critics, Mahrez isn’t reaching the heights at Al Ahli that he achieved at Man City.
Featured Image Credit: Asian Champions League/Getty
Topics: Riyad Mahrez, Manchester City, Lionel Messi, Football, Saudi Pro League