Riyad Mahrez, the former Manchester City winger, currently playing for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, has once again openly shared his deep-seated affection for Olympique de Marseille. The 34-year-old Algerian international confessed that it was always his childhood aspiration to grace the pitch of the Vélodrome stadium in Ligue 1.
Reflecting on his illustrious European career and the clubs he had always yearned to represent, Mahrez candidly stated: “Since I was little, I always wanted to play for Marseille. That was my dream. I was a huge OM fan – Drogba, Niang, Nasri, Ribéry… I dreamed of playing at the Vélodrome in Ligue 1. My path ended up being very different.”
The talented forward, a Premier League winner with Leicester City, had two distinct opportunities to join the French giants during his professional journey. At the tender age of 18, while showcasing his skills for Quimper in the French fourth division, Mahrez made a significant impression during a trial with Marseille`s reserve squad. José Anigo, then the sporting director, reportedly showed considerable interest in securing his signature, yet ultimately chose Billel Omrani instead.
Later, in early 2014, the Algerian star was once more offered to OM when he was already making waves and excelling for Leicester City in the Championship. However, the club`s president at the time, Vincent Labrune, is reported to have declined the transfer, deeming Mahrez unsuitable for Marseille`s “project.” Remarkably, just over a year following this decision, Mahrez would go on to famously lift the Premier League trophy and earn the prestigious title of PFA Player of the Year.
