They're redefining the English game and I wanted to be a part of it': Manchester City complete club record £60m signing of winger Riyad Mahrez from Leicester

Riyad Mahrez has finally completed his £60million move to Manchester City, becoming the club's record signing weeks before their Premier League title defence.

Pep Guardiola wanted the 27-year-old from Leicester City in January but was willing to wait until the summer after a refusal to match the Foxes' valuation.

Mahrez was granted a leave of absence from Leicester's training camp in France over the weekend and underwent a medical in Wilmslow on Tuesday afternoon.

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Winger Riyad Mahrez finally completed his £60million move to Manchester City on Tuesday

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Pep Guardiola wanted the 27-year-old from Leicester City in January but was willing to wait

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Mahrez has signed a five-year contract with City, who have sent a message to their title rivals

The Algerian then headed for the City Football Academy where he officially signed a five-year contract with the champions, who have sent a message to their title rivals.

'I am so pleased to have joined City, a side playing great football under Pep Guardiola,' Mahrez said.

'Watching them from afar has been a pleasure. Pep is committed to playing attacking football, which is a perfect for me, and City's performances last season were outstanding. They're redefining the English game and I wanted to be a part of it.
Premier League transfer round-up: Mahrez makes Manchester move




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The Premier League champions announced the news on Twitter with a video on Tuesday night

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Mahrez has become the club's record signing weeks before their Premier League title defence

'I think we can be successful over the coming years and I believe my own game can develop under Pep's management.'

It is understood City were ready to walk away from negotiations as they reached a stalemate but sporting director Txiki Begiristain managed to deliver Guardiola's top target.

The manager is mindful of the workload placed upon Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane last season and has afforded the latter a further week's holiday. Sane will link-up with City in America next week.

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Mahrez was granted a leave of absence from Leicester's training camp in France over weekend

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He then underwent a medical in Wilmslow before heading to the City Football Academy

Mahrez's introduction in the attacking areas will allow City to rotate further as they attempt to go further in the Champions League and become the first club in a decade to defend the title.

Begiristain said: 'Riyad is a hugely talented player. He beats defenders and creates space.

'Over the past few years, he has established himself as one of the Premier League's most exciting players.

'We're sure he will bring additional attacking quality to our squad.'

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The Algerian's introduction in the attacking areas will allow Guardiola to rotate further

source: Daily Mail