Riyad Mahrez reveals ‘hope’ on Club World Cup final as Manchester City brace for Fluminense showdown

Former Manchester City forward and Algerian football legend Riyad Mahrez has revealed his ‘hope’ ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup final on Friday.

City secured their place in the showpiece final showdown in Jeddah later this week with a dominant 0-3 victory over Japanese giants Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday evening – their first clean sheet in nine matches across all competitions.

Matheus Nunes forced Manchester City’s first and third goals of the night, while a sumptuous through ball from captain Kyle Walker found Mateo Kovacic to grab his first goal for the football club in a competition he has won on three previous occasions.

Now, one Manchester City legend is backing the aforementioned Croatian international to become a four-time Club World Cup winner, revealing his hopes ahead of the final against Brazilian side Fluminense.

Now Saudi Pro League star Riyad Mahrez, whilst speaking to local media this week, has revealed his hope of seeing his former employers and the reigning Treble winners cap off their 2023 with a fifth piece of silverware in Jeddah on Friday night.

Mahrez admitted, as quoted by the official Manchester City website, “I hope they (Manchester City) win the Club World Cup. Of course I won’t play, but I will visit them and try to be with them if I can.”

The 32-year-old Algeria international captain has enjoyed a stellar start to life in Saudi Arabia since leaving the Etihad Stadium for Al-Ahli, scoring seven goals and providing a further seven assists in 18 appearances in the league.

As for City, Etihad officials viewed their replacement for Mahrez as being Belgium international Jeremy Doku, who has started his life under Pep Guardiola in blistering fashion, offering a fresh dimension in attack for the Treble winners.