How Algerian fan showcased die-hard passion for Man City
Riyad Mahrez has recalled the hilarious moment an Algerian fan chased down Manchester City’s team coach to get a glimpse of his heroes after their 2-1 win over PSG in Paris last season.
Mahrez and Co were on their way to the airport following their triumph over PSG in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, which saw Mahrez and Kevin de Bruyne both get on the scoresheet back in April.
The spirits were high following their win at the Parc des Princes but their moods were lifted further after the cycling supporter rode up alongside the coach to wave and celebrate with the City players.
The footage is a part of City’s new documentary, titled “Together”, detailing the final 46 days of last season as they lifted the club’s fifth title in a decade and went so close to conquering Europe.
And when asked to recall the incident, Mahrez couldn’t but laugh at the fans antics.
‘The Algerian guy on the scooter, or was it a bike? Yeah bike. Was funny to be fair,’ Mahrez grins.
‘I knew, especially when I knew that he’d seen me, that he was going to follow us all the way to the airport.’
With the fan in hot pursuit, City decided to pull the coach over and handed him a souviner to make the bike-riding fan’s day.
‘One of the kitmen, I think it was Ally or Mike, gave him a jumper from City,’ Mahrez adds.
‘He was so happy. You could see that they’re good with these little things. Everyone on the bus was laughing and it was a good moment.’
After receiving the training top, the supporter passionately celebrates with team from the pavement, cutching his gift while thumping his chest, much to the delight of Mahrez and Co.
In the background, one City player joked that ‘you’ll never get rid of him now’ after he was given the City souvenir.
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City would go on to reach last season’s Champions League final after comfortably beating PSG again at the Etihad in the return leg, with Mahrez grabbing both goals for Pep Guardiola’s side.
However, City’s dream of winning their first Champions League trophy in their first European final wasn’t to be after they were beaten by Chelsea in Porto, Portugal in May.