Riyad Mahrez retires from the Algeria national team after World Cup elimination

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Riyad Mahrez, a five-time Premier League winner, announced his retirement from international soccer following Algeria’s World Cup exit, a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the round of 32 on Thursday.

“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.”

As he walked off the field following the match, Mahrez gave a thumbs-up, then patted his heart and waved to the fans.

Mahrez, who plays for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, has had an illustrious career at the club and international levels.

The 35-year-old forward retires with the second-most appearances for Algeria (119) and the second-most goals (40). Mahrez was a part of the Algerian team that won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

At the domestic level, Mahrez won a Premier League title with Leicester City and four with Manchester City, as well as a Champions League title with Manchester City.

See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here