Algerian footballer, Riyad Mahrez made history last night as he became the first African player to be named English football’s Player of the Year. The winger who joined Leicester City on a £400,000 deal has scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists this season. 

The 25-year-old beat colleagues, Jamie Vardy and N’Golo Kante as well as West Ham United’s Dimitri Payet, Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil to the award.

He paid tributes to his teammates and manager while receiving the trophy. 

“All the credit is for them, seriously.

“And for my manager (Claudio Ranieri) and the staff. Without them I wouldn’t receive this award and I wouldn’t score. It’s the team spirit, and I want to dedicate it to them.

“I’m very grateful to receive this award, it’s a pleasure. It’s extra special because if the players vote for me it’s because they’ve seen I’ve been great this year so I’m happy. But it’s more team things. Without my team-mates I wouldn’t get this award.” He said.