Riyad Mahrez, a five-time Premier League winner, announced his retirement from international football following Algeria’s World Cup exit, a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the round of 32 on Thursday. "There were good times and difficult times as well, of course. That’s part of a career," he said afterward. “But representing Algeria has been a dream of mine ever since I was young, to play for my country. It’s been an immense honor and a great source of pride.” He added: “It is the new generation’s turn to play.” As he walked off the field following the match, Mahrez gave a thumbs-up, then patted his heart and waved to the fans. Mahrez, who plays for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, has had an illustrious career at the club and international levels. The 35-year-old forward retires with the second-most appearances for Algeria (119) and the second-most goals (40). Mahrez was a part of the Algerian team that won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. At the domestic level, Mahrez won a Premier League title with Leicester City and four with Manchester City, as well as a Champions League title with Manchester City.
