Algerian midfielder who plays for Leicester City (English Premier League), Riyad Mahrez received, Friday, a trophy for his “exceptional performances” from Djamel Ould Abbes, Head of the civil society and associative movement’s presidential alliance in a ceremony held at the Algerian Football Federation’s (FAF) technical centre in Sidi Moussa, under the high patronage of the President of the Republic, Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
“This ceremony follows the congratulatory message addressed by the President of the Republic to Riyad Mahrez for his exceptional performances made throughout the season, both individually and collectively with the title of champion won by Leicester. Mahrez honoured Algeria abroad,” Ould Abbes told APS.
The ceremony took place in the presence of the minister of Youth and Sports, El Hadi Ould Ali, the president of the FAF, Mohamed Raouraoua, as well as two former players of the glorious team of the National Liberation Front (FLN), Mohamed Maouche and Abdelhamid Zouba, guests of honour.
Riyad Mahrez was elected best player of the English Championship this season by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).
He is the first African player to win this award and succeeds to Belgian Eden Hazard (Chelsea FC), who won the award last year.
“As Head of the association, we should honour Mahrez and the rest of the players of the national team, which follows the path of the FLN team. Maouche and Zouba’s presence today represents a symbol for the current generation,” said Ould Abbes, also Deputy Speaker of the Senate.
“I am very happy and touched to receive this trophy especially that it comes from the President of the Republic. It is a new award for me that will encourage me for the rest of my career,” said Mahrez.
