The Algeria international has taken the Premier League by storm this season as the Foxes mount an unlikely title challenge, but he almost rejected the club in 2014
Riyad Mahrez has revealed that he thought Leicester City were a rugby team before moving to the club in 2014.
The Algeria international arrived from Le Harve with the club still in the Championship and scored three goals as the Foxes earned promotion to the Premier League just four months later.
Mahrez has taken the English top flight by storm this season with 14 goals and 11 assists as Leicester have mounted a shock title challenge but has now revealed he nearly rejected the move.
"I didn't know Leicester," he told FourFourTwo. "In France we didn't really [know them] because they were in the Championship. I thought they were a rugby club.
"I was like: 'I don't know...' But then I came here to see the facilities and they were good. I do not regret signing for them, it's the best club I've ever been at."
Leicester have spent the majority of the season leading the Premier League despite narrowly avoiding relegation last term and Mahrez feels momentum is driving their unlikely tilt at the title.
"This is Leicester's best season ever and we just need to keep going," Mahrez continued.
"We have the quality and we have the confidence, then when you start winning games you gain even more confidence. That's how football goes."
- Goal