Algerian international Riyad Mahrez secured his move to Manchester City on Tuesday, with the Premier League champions paying a reported club-record £60 million ($79.6 million) for the winger.
It comes seven months after City refused to pay Leicester's asking price of £80 million, having offered £50 million plus young winger Patrick Roberts, who was valued at £15 million.
This time though Leicester said they had sold him in a club-record deal.
✍️ Riyad Mahrez joins Manchester City ?#UCL pic.twitter.com/a5XfxaCDaK
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) July 10, 2018
The 27-year-old -- a pivotal figure when Leicester stormed to a shock Premier League title in 2016 -- signed a five-year contract.
"I am so pleased to have joined City, a side playing great football under Pep Guardiola," Mahrez told the Manchester City website.
OFFICIAL: Manchester City confirm the signing of Riyad Mahrez pic.twitter.com/TnmTvkL0hf
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 10, 2018
"Watching them from afar has been a pleasure.
"Pep is committed to playing attacking football, which is a perfect for me, and City's performances last season were outstanding."
Mahrez, who was so upset at not gaining his move to City at the beginning of the year he sat out two matches, said his new club were revolutionising the game in England.
SKY SOURCES: Riyad Mahrez having a medical at Manchester City this afternoon. #SSN pic.twitter.com/atFvOF4N8U
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 10, 2018
"They're redefining the English game and I wanted to be a part of it," said Mahrez.
"I think we can be successful over the coming years and I believe my own game can develop under Pep's management."
City's director of football Txiki Begiristain said Mahrez's attacking qualities would add even more of a cutting edge to a side which already has an abundance of talent such as Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane and Sergio Aguero.
BREAKING: Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Riyad Mahrez.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 10, 2018
More to follow. pic.twitter.com/zVY5CYVH6x
"Riyad is a hugely talented player. He beats defenders and creates space," said Begiristain.
"Over the past few years, he has established himself as one of the Premier League's most exciting players.
"We're sure he will bring additional attacking quality to our squad."
"They're redefining the English game and I wanted to be a part of it."
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 11, 2018
Riyad Mahrez reflects on Manchester City move after joining in £60m deal from Leicester: https://t.co/TL2LgF4Nrb pic.twitter.com/Wf3QC9GhyZ
