Mahrez: A Pleasure To Play Here

- Mahrez explained how important it has been for other members of the squad to sign new contracts 

- The Algerian spoke of his flourishing role under manager Claudio Ranieri 

- Mahrez excited for the Club’s players and fans ahead of their debut UEFA Champions League campaign 

Riyad Mahrez revealed he was thrilled to commit his future to Leicester City, after the winger signed a new four-year contract with the Club on Wednesday. 

The Algeria international put pen to paper on a deal that runs to 2020 to become the latest of several City stars to sign new contracts this summer. 

Mahrez took the Premier League by storm last term and explained that he cannot wait to continue what has already been a remarkable career with the Foxes. 

“I’m happy to continue my adventure with Leicester City,” Mahrez said exclusively to LCFC TV. “It’s been a pleasure to be here for the last two-and-a-half years, so I’m going to keep going here. 

“I live day after day. I’ve achieved good things with this club. All the players have said congratulations. It’s good – they are happy and it is good to keep all the players in the team. 

“It’s important because last season we achieved the best thing we could in England. We’ve done an amazing season and it was important to keep the players to keep the same spirit as well. 

“Our football has a lot of energy, so if all the players keep their mentalities right, I think we can do something good this year. I’m very happy to be here and I know the Club is happy to sign me, so I thank them as well.” 

Mahrez played a role in a combined 28 goals for the Foxes during their phenomenal 2015/16 title-winning campaign, netting 17 times to finish as the Premier League’s highest-scoring midfielder, and assisting a further 11 during a debut season under Claudio Ranieri. 

“Claudio [Ranieri] always says to me be free in the last 30 yards – be with the team, stay in shape but when you have the ball, you’re free so make the right choice and do the right things,” the winger said. “It’s important for me because he gives me a lot of confidence and responsibility. 

“It’s not just one player, it’s a team. What we achieved last year is because of the team. There are players that will score and there are players that will defend, but in the end it’s for the team. 

“We need to keep the same mentality and same spirit. We need to focus on our football and on our team. I have some amazing memories. That is finished and now we need to focus on this season.” 

A debut season in the UEFA Champions League is a thrilling prospect for not just the players, but the fans and the city of Leicester too, according to Mahrez, who has a great appreciation for the Blue Army’s excellent support. 

He added: “I’m excited to see what’s going on in the Champions League with big clubs and big players – we will see. 

“It’s for everyone, not just for the players and not just for the Club, but for the city and every one that’s behind Leicester City. It’s the first time that we play in the Champions League, so it’s fantastic. 

"Leicester City’s fans are amazing fans. They always push us at home and away as well they’re behind us. I thank them and I hope they push us again this season.”