VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) 鈥� Riyad Mahrez, a five-time Premier League winner, announced his retirement from international soccer following Algeria鈥檚 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鈥檚 part of a career,” he said afterward. 鈥淏ut representing Algeria has been a dream of mine ever since I was young, to play for my country. It鈥檚 been an immense honor and a great source of pride.鈥�
He added: 鈥淚t is the new generation鈥檚 turn to play.鈥�
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.
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