"Proud of you" "Memories made" - Manchester City attacker's wife makes heartfelt claim after Premier League title win
Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez's wife Taylor Ward has sent a heartfelt message to the Algerian after his side became Premier League champions.
The Cityzens defended their league crown after a hard-fought title race with Arsenal. The Gunners' 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday (May 20) meant Pep Guardiola's side had won the title for the fifth time during his tenure.
Mahrez has been instrumental in Manchester City's title triumph and played in their 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday. He celebrated winning the title with his teammates after the game.
His wife, Ward, took to social media to congratulate him. She posted a picture of the Algerian holding their daughter Inaya, 8, and captioned the image on her Instagram story:
"Proud of you (Riyad Mahrez) ... 5 Premier League titles (love emoticon)."
Ward then also uploaded a video of Inaya playing with one of the team's mascots Moonbeam and wrote:
"Memories made."
Mahrez has been in fine form this season, scoring 15 goals and providing 13 assists in 45 games across competitions. The Cityzens aren't done, though, as they are pursuing a potential treble. They face Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final on June 10 after clashing with Manchester United in the FA Cup final on June 3.
It has been a phenomenal season for City, and Mahrez has been key. However, the Algerian has had to fight for a place in Guardiola's side amid the lack of competition for places.
He has started 34 of the 45 games across competitions but seemingly wanted to be more of a starter. Guardiola said last month (via the Daily Mail):
"He's grumpy with me when he doesn't play, all the time. He makes me notice when he's grumpy. ... So satisfied for Riyad because he loves to play football; he's given many, many things in these years and hopefully more in the future."
Mahrez scored scoring a remarkable hat-trick in the side's 3-0 FA Cup semifinal win over Sheffield United. He continues to be one of Manchester City's most important players.
Manchester City's Mahrez reveals his constant contact with Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko left Manchester City to join Arsenal last summer for £33 million. It seems the Ukrainian had struck up a strong friendship with Mahrez, as the Algerian is still in contact with the defender.
The duo were involved in opposite sides during the title race, buy it was Mahrez's City that prevailed. He touched on his bond with Zinchenko after winning the Premier League, telling BeIN Sports:
“I’m killing him!"
Mahrez continued by revealing that he's always in contact with Zinchenko but will give him time and space after the Gunners missed out on the title:
“Yeah, I am always on the phone with him. He is my friend, so we are always joking about things and talking about stuff. But he is a bit sad at the moment, so I will wait until we lift the trophy, and then I will call him again.”
Zinchenko was a crucial part of Arsenal's quest for a first league title since 2004. He made the left-back position his own at Manchester City and showed his leadership and experience.