Mahrez: Success is motivating Algerian star to achieve more

Riyad Mahrez

Thursday Oct 31, 2019. 14:00

Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez says winning trophies with his national team and Manchester City is motivating him to reach even greater heights.

The 28-year-old attacker has helped City win the English Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Community Shield.

Mahrez, who has had a successful year, also captained Algeria to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Egypt.

“To win all four here in the country has never happened so we know we created history. As well as this, a big moment for me was winning the Afcon for my country. It was one of the best emotions I have had in my career and life,” Mahrez told The Guardian.

“It means a lot to me. It is a big responsibility, but I think it makes me more active [inspired] and I think I must help and give more to help. It was a big moment and emotional. It was unforgettable.

“I did this for Algeria and for my family. I always watched Algeria and they never won this type of thing. The last time they won was 29 years ago and I wasn’t even born,” he added.

“For me it was a big ambition to try and bring something for the country because it is a big country of football. The desire was to give everything and to give them something.”

The left-footed player scored a late semi-final winner from a free-kick against Nigeria and he reflected on the goal.

“I watched the clock and saw it was 90 minutes [gone]. I knew it was the last chance before extra time, so I was very focused. At first, I wanted to put it under the wall and then I saw the guy behind the wall,” he said.

“So, I focused myself on the keeper’s side and I scored. It was a big moment for me, and I was very happy and for the country it was unbelievable.

“Sometimes I watch the video and think: ‘Wow, what have I done?’ It is unbelievable. It something that will stay forever. I always knew how [good] I can become – it helped me with my confidence.”