The wife of Riyad Mahrez gave her honest take on what life is like for WAGs in Saudi Arabia.
Mahrez, 33, spent five years at Manchester City before signing for Saudi Pro League (SPL) outfit Al Ahli in July 2023.
The former Leicester City winger has impressed in the Middle East, having registered 17 goals in his 50 appearances for the club as well as 21 assists – two of which set up Ivan Toney’s brace against UAE-based side Al Ain on Monday.
Mahrez has a star-studded list of teammates at his new club, with Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy and Franck Kessie among the squad.
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The Jeddah-based side currently sits eighth in the SPL but no doubt will be looking to build on their third-place finish from the 2023/24 season.
Mahrez and his wife, Taylor Ward, took part in the ‘Married To The Game’ series, which was streamed on Amazon Prime Video earlier this year and touched on Mahrez's move to Saudi Arabia.
When Ward was informed of Mahrez’s switch, she was visibly upset.
"I'm going to be sat here at home on my own," she exclaimed.
To which Mahrez calmly replied: “It's part of the game, innit.”
In an interview with the Mail published in February 2024, the 26-year-old opened up about what life was really like for WAGs in the Gulf state.
"So far, the experience has been amazing," she said.
"There's obviously no alcohol so I won't be having a glass of wine! To be honest, there's more there than I originally thought. When I went on my first trip, I saw a Nando's. I was just like, 'I'm so happy they've got Nando's'.
"The vibe is just very different. It's a lot more chilled out there, it's quieter and calmer, whereas, in Manchester, life is so busy - there's so much going on, and we're always going out for dinner and seeing friends.
"That's probably what I'm missing the most, seeing family and friends rather than what the country is missing.
"The people have been so lovely - I think that was actually a massive shock, how nice everyone has been. You can't compare it to the UK - it's nothing like here.
"I'm enjoying it so far, it just feels like I'm on holiday, I don't feel like I've moved there yet."
It's safe to say the married pair are enjoying themselves in their new surroundings over a year after making the move.
As reported by OK!, the pair were married for a third time in Lake Como, Italy, in July last year having already tied the knot in January 2022 in a traditional ‘Muslim ceremony’.
They had their second legal ceremony at The Londoner Hotel in September 2023.
Topics: Saudi Arabia, Riyad Mahrez, Saudi Pro League, Manchester City
Luke Davies