Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez believes that he lost two years of his career due to Leicester City refusing to sell him.

Mahrez was a key member of Leicester's title winning side, but wanted to move on to a bigger club, especially after winning the PFA Player of the Year award the season they won the league.

But the Algerian was denied a move to Arsenal in 2016, before eventually going to Manchester City two years later.

Mahrez told France Football: "After the title, if I'd left for a top team, it wouldn't have been the same story.

"For me, it's clear that I lost two years at the highest level. I lost two years! Because instead of arriving at City at 27, I could have been there at 24, 25.

"Leicester blocked me. They told me: 'You're not leaving, you're not leaving'.

"My agent had spoken to [Arsene] Wenger who really wanted me. It was nearly all done with Arsenal in 2016. I was really frustrated.

"It wasn't easy to go from being the best player in the Premier League to being a part of a team fighting against relegation.

"It's not the same job. Everyone is waiting for you around the corner."