Riyad Mahrez, a five-time Premier League winner, has retired from international football following Algeria’s World Cup exit, a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the round of 32, Yankee Scores reports.
After the game Mahrez walked off the field giving a thumbs up, patting his heart and waving to the fans.
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli player Mahrez has enjoyed a glittering career at club and international level.
The 35-year-old forward retires with 119 caps, the second most for Algeria, and 40 goals, also the second most for the country.
Mahrez was part of the Algeria team that won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. At club level, Mahrez won a Premier League title with Leicester City and four with Manchester City, as well as a Champions League title with City.
“There were good times and difficult times as well, of course. That’s part of a career,” he said afterward.
“But representing Algeria has been a dream of mine ever since I was young, to play for my country. It’s been an immense honor and a great source of pride.”
He added: “It is the new generation’s turn to play.”
