Mahrez First African Player Named PSL Player of the Year

Algerian international soccer player and winger for English Premier League side Leicester City – Riyad Mahrez – has become the first African player to be awarded the English football’s Player of the Year award.

Mahrez, who is French-born but plays as an Algerian international, was named the Professional Football Association’s Player of the Year.

It was Mahrez’s peers and fellow football players that decided to award him with the Player of the Year title.

25-year old Mahrez has been extremely instrumental in the success of EPL side, Leicester City this season.

Leicester City is currently the favourites to take the Premier League title season as they are top of the log.

Accepting his award, Mahrez thanked his teammates as well as his manager:

“…[sic] All the credit is for them, seriously [my teammates]…And for my manager (Claudio Ranieri) and the staff. Without them I wouldn’t receive this award and I wouldn’t score. It’s the team spirit, and I want to dedicate it to them,” he said.

He continued saying that the award is extra special as it is decided by fellow footballers:

“…I’m very grateful to receive this award, it’s a pleasure. It’s extra special because if the players vote for me it’s because they’ve seen I’ve been great this year so I’m happy…But it’s more team things. Without my team-mates I wouldn’t get this award,” he said.