Premier League Icon Retires from National Team After Heartbreaking World Cup Exit

Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from the Algerian national team, just minutes after their World Cup exit. The former Manchester City and Leicester star saw his side crash out of the tournament following a disappointing 2-0 loss on Friday. After the match, the 35-year-old winger revealed it was his final appearance for the national squad.

“This was my last farewell to the national team. It’s incredibly painful to leave this way, especially in a match against Switzerland, a team we were fully capable of beating. It has been an honor to wear this jersey for so many years, but it’s time to make way for the next generation,” the winger stated after the game.

Mahrez, a five-time Premier League champion, was substituted 20 minutes before the end of the second half. Algeria never managed to recover after conceding an early goal from close range, scored by Breel Embolo. Visibly emotional, Mahrez applauded the fans as he left the pitch, and returned to them again after the final whistle. He had scored two goals in the 3-3 draw with Austria, which secured both teams a spot in the knockout phase of the tournament.

However, neither team managed to advance past the first round of the knockout stage, bringing Mahrez's 12-year career with the Algerian national team to an unceremonious end. He amassed a total of 119 caps, scoring 40 goals, and helped his country win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019.