It wasn’t much of a surprise when Riyad Mahrez made the decision to leave for Saudi Arabia last summer. He made the decision to leave Manchester City after winning the treble with them last season and signed a huge contract with Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.
He was only one of many players to make the switch to Saudi Arabia. However, not everyone has been happy there, with Jordan Henderson already returning to Ajax, and Karim Benzema’s future in doubt. And it seems Mahrez is having a similar issue regarding his family.
Taylor Ward shares her experience in Saudi Arabia after Riyad Mahrez’s Manchester City exit
While it seems Riyad Mahrez is very happy and thriving in his new surroundings, his wife, Taylor Ward, cannot say the same. The Algerian superstar married the English national in 2022, and they share a child as well.
She previously revealed in an Amazon documentary that she was not happy to make the move to Saudi. She had broken down in tears and revealed she was shocked when she was told they would be making the move overseas. And despite her complaints, Riyad had a blunt answer to her, which went viral. He said, “It’s part of the game innit.”
Riyad Mahrez's wife, Taylor Ward on his Man City exit đź—Ł
— ManCityzens (@ManCityzenscom) February 13, 2024
"That whole week was just an emotional rollercoaster. It was a huge shock and I had absolutely no idea. One day we were planning for Riyad to go back to pre-season with Man City and then overnight we were moving to Saudi." pic.twitter.com/ZVI50o3lY4
Recently, Taylor was asked about her feelings regarding the transfer once again, and having to live in a new country. She said that her husband’s blunt response still hurts her, “That line haunts me. I think it was just very overwhelming at the time and a massive shock because I just didn’t see it coming at all.”
She also admitted that the country has been amazing, and that she likes it somewhat now. However, she still admitted that she misses her friends and family from back home. “That’s probably what I’m missing the most, seeing family and friends rather than what the country is missing.”
Riyad Mahrez’s ex-wife revealed how he changed after Manchester City move
Riyad Mahrez was previously married to Rita Johal, with whom he shares his first two kids. The two first met during his time at Leicester City, and stayed together when he made the big move to Manchester City. However, they divorced later on, and Rita had revealed what made their marriage to break down.
Rita admitted that her ex-husband completely changed after the big move to Manchester City. She pointed out that the stress of playing at a big club, along with the big move there caused him to party more.
Rita Johal, Riyad Mahrez's Ex-Wife Says Man City 'Ruined' Their Marriage – African News Today – https://t.co/JsR4lokyKK pic.twitter.com/fy1Xkka9p9
— African News Today (@afrinewstoday) August 30, 2021
She said, “Riyad let fame go to his head. He changed when he went to Manchester City. The Riyad I met is a different person to the one he is now. He parties, he acts like a flash footballer. I don’t hate him, that’s a strong word, but I am shocked and saddened by what he has done.”
Riyad Mahrez is quite happy with current wife Taylor Ward and club Al Ahli, and that is all he could ask for after a turbulent time in England.
