MANCHESTER CITY have backed Riyad Mahrez to fill the void left by Raheem Sterling by handing him a new contract.
The Algerian, 31, has penned a two-year extension at The Etihad, keeping him with the champions until 2025.
Mahrez was into the final year of his contract and City were considering allowing the former Leicester City man to run his deal down and leave on a free next summer.
However, with Raheem Sterling having joined Chelsea in a £50million deal and Brazilian Gabriel Jesus moving to Arsenal for £45m City have moved to keep Mahrez in place for the foreseeable future.
Mahrez, who has three Premier League titles with City, has scored 63 goals and laid on 45 assists in 189 appearances for the champions.
Mahrez said: "I'm very happy to sign the new deal. I have enjoyed every single minute of my time here. It’s a pleasure to be part of such an incredible club.
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"To have helped us achieve the success we have enjoyed in the past four seasons has been unforgettable and made us all hungry to look to achieve even more.
"I would also like to thank Pep, Txiki [Begiristain] and the coaching staff, both for the way they have helped me to develop as a player and for pushing me to continue to improve.
"Now I just want to try and play my part in helping us be successful next season and beyond."
Director of football Begiristain added: “Riyad has played a major part in our success in the four years since he joined us, and we are all delighted he has agreed this new deal.
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“He has brought so much to the club with his skill, talent, commitment and desire to win evident from the moment he first arrived.
"I also know that Pep and the coaching staff relish working with Riyad.
“He is one of the most exciting wingers operating in the game and we are all very excited to know he will be part of our ongoing drive to try and achieve more success.”
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