Riyad Mahrez paid tribute to Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha after scoring the winner for Manchester City over Tottenham on Monday night.
Mahrez moved to City in the summer after spending over four years as a Leicester player, playing a part in their miraculous Premier League title win in 2016.
Following Srivaddhanaprabha’s death at the weekend, Mahrez was seen pointing to the sky after scoring the only goal at Wembley. Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the Algerian confirmed the gesture was for his former chairman.
“To be honest, it’s been very, very difficult for me,” Mahrez told Sky’s Geoff Shreeves.
“The boss was very special to me. I spent four and a half years there and I have many memories with him.
“He was such a good person, such a good human.
“I’m very, very, very sad and that’s why when I scored I put my hands up in the sky for him because he did a lot for me and for Leicester.
“It’s difficult to speak about it because it’s very sad.”
"It has been very difficult for me"
Manchester City's match-winner Riyad Mahrez speaks about the tragic events at former club Leicester this weekend.
Watch #MNF reaction live on Sky Sports PL or follow: https://t.co/M7lVhopwKi pic.twitter.com/nWyAyJCAjk
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Earlier in the day, many of Mahrez’s former Leicester teammates were present at the King Power to pay their condolences and watch members of Srivaddhanaprabha’s family lay wreaths.
