Leicester City playmaker, Riyad Mahrez has explained his decision to stay away from training sessions after the club refused to sanction his deadline transfer to Manchester City. The Algeria international, who handed a transfer request to the club before the botched switch, protested against the club by staying away from training and has missed some games owing to his frustration. Irked by the development, his club has reportedly fined him.
Speaking on the development, Mahrez in a statement released on Friday said;
"Over the past 10 days, many people claiming to be my friend have spoken about me and things they know nothing about. Off the back of that many people and journalists have made assumptions without properly checking the story, so I would like to clarify that all those so-called assumptions of why I was absent are completely untrue.
Myself nor my advisers have ever made any statements about that, so all presumptions made are totally without foundation. Leicester City were always aware of my whereabouts and had knowledge of my thinking either directly or via my advisers.
I have been a part of the Leicester City team that has achieved much success including promotion to the Premier League and being champions of the League. My goals have always been the same and I have always given my full 100 per cent when I play for the club, the fans, and my team-mates.
Those goals remain the same today and in the future and, when I am asked to be a part of the Leicester team, rest assured I will continue to give my all."
Although club manager had ruled him out in a crucial encounter against Manchester City, his presence at training today suggests he is now available for selection.
