After five hugely successful years at the Etihad, the Algerian national captain has moved on to take up a new challenge with Al-Ahli Saudi Football Club.
In his time at City, the skilful winger made 236 appearances for the Club, scoring 78 goals and becoming an integral member of Guardiola’s squad.
He won an astonishing 11 major trophies with City and departed as a Treble winner in what was his final campaign.
And speaking at his pre-match press conference in Seoul, Sooth Korea ahead of Sunday’s final Asia Tour 2023 match against Atletico Madrid, the City boss paid his own tribute to Mahrez’s impact and contribution.
HOW TO FOLLOW CITY’S ASIA 2023 TOUR
“He was loved by the staff. An important figure in the success we have had in the last five years. I wish him and his family all the best,” Guardiola declared.
“He is one of the guys in my career who I saw who enjoyed the most - he would play today, tomorrow. Incredible skills and technical ability.
“I enjoyed as a manager to be with him. I had a special relationship with him.
“Our relationship was with incredible respect.
“It is not easy to replace this kind of player. He doesn’t feel the pressure he is a guy who has to play every single day to be happy.
“I understand completely (his decision to leave). I know how tough it was to not play in the FA Cup final and Champions League finals.
“It was really good to work with him. Really nice. I learned a lot.”
Asked whether he had a specific plan to try and find a like for like replacement, the City boss said the Club would wait and see what happens between now and the end of the transfer window.
However, Guardiola added that the growing number of top players being attracted to the Saudi league was already having an impact on make-up of the transfer market.
“Listen, every player is every player, it’s numbers in the squad, the market is open until end of August,” Guardiola added.
“We are not looking for replacement of Riyad in terms of skill because every player is different.
“We will see what happens with loan players, and which players stay here. A few things are going to happen.
“Saudi Arabia has changed the market. A few months ago when Cristiano (Ronaldo) was the only one to go, no one thought this many top, top players would play in the Saudi league.
“In the future there will be more and that’s why clubs need to be aware of what is happening.
“Riyad got an incredible offer and that’s why we could not say don’t do it.”
WATCH OUR ASIA TOUR MATCHES ON CITY+ OR RECAST
CITY+ and Recast will exclusively show all pre-season tour games live in the UK.
We face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, 30 July, with fans all over the world (except South Korea) able to watch the action.
CITY+ is also where you will find the entire catalogue of City Studios documentaries and vodcasts.
Watchable through our official website or app*, CITY+ is available via an annual subscription of £34.99 a year, saving you £24 on our monthly offering.
Choose monthly and pay £4.99 a month with the option to cancel anytime.
Official Cityzens and Season Ticket Members can subscribe annually for £30 a year, a saving of £29.
Alternatively, you can join us on Recast for a flexible, pay-per-view option on all the same exciting content found on CITY+.
Simply follow our official channel and pay for the matches, documentaries, full-match replays and vodcasts you want to see.
*Tour matches will not be available to watch on our TV app due to regional restrictions
