Vardy names Mahrez in Leicester City’s best XI

Retiring Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has named Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez in his best XI.

Jamie Vardy, Leicester City’s all-time leading goalscorer, named former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez as the only African player in the best XI he played alongside at the club. The Algerian was a key figure in Claudio Ranieri’s team that famously defied the odds to win the Premier League title in the 2015-16 season.

“This is my 11 City players and formation I have played with. Goalkeeper, I would go with Kasper Schmeichel.  Back four, Danny Simpson, right back, left back Robert Huth, Christian Fuchs, and Wes Morgan in central defence. I would have three in midfield. I would have N’Golo Kante sitting with Danny Drinkwater and Youri Tielemans, on the left Marc Albrighton and, on the right Riyad (Mahrez). Upfront, I would go for myself,” he told Sky Sports TV.

The 38-year-old announced he would leave Leicester City at the end of the season, ending a 12-year romance with the club. He joined the Foxes in July 2012 and scored 198 goals in 496 games. Such a feat has prompted the relegated club’s coach, Ruud van Nistelrooy to describe Vardy as “the best player ever” to play for the club.