Manchester City star, Riyad Mahrez, has revealed that Leicester City stopped him from joining Arsenal in 2016 during his time with the Foxes.
The Algerian captain was linked with a move to Arsenal in 2016 but remained at Leicester for another two seasons before joining Pep Guardiola's side for £60million.
Speaking with France Football, Mahrez said: "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."
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