Riyad Mahrez’s wife reveals his blunt reaction to ‘shock’ Saudi transfer still haunts her

Riyad Mahrez’s summer switch to the Saudi Pro League took fans by surprise, but for wife Taylor Ward the move was a huge bombshell.

The 26-year-old model takes centre stage in a new Prime Video documentary entitled ‘Married to the Game’ which showcases the couple's move to the Middle East and how they have adapted to life away from Manchester.

In one viral clip, Al-Ahli star Mahrez gave a blunt reaction as Ward appeared shocked at the news that the couple would be moving to Saudi Arabia at short notice.

Ward admitted that she was overwhelmed when the Algerian winger told her: “It's part of the game, innit,” after she had expressed concerns about the move.

She admits Mahrez’s response ‘still haunts me’ and described how the former Manchester City star took a straight-talking approach to the situation.

“That line haunts me,” Ward told Mail Sport. “I keep seeing it on social media. That whole week was just an emotional rollercoaster really. It was a huge shock and I had absolutely no idea.

“One day we were planning for Riyad to go back to pre-season with City and then overnight we were moving to Saudi and I was planning this whole move.

“I think it was just very overwhelming at the time and a massive shock because I just didn't see it coming at all. That scene with Riyad - that is just him to a tee. He is just straight talking and to the point. He is very much just like, ‘it is what it is, you've got to get over it now’, whereas I'm more emotional. That's why we work because I'm a bit of a flapper in those situations and he's very on the ball and just gets on with it.”

Ward revealed the fast-paced nature of the deal which first came to light when the pair were on holiday. She admits the move took her by surprise considering Mahrez still had a few years to run on his deal at the Etihad Stadium.

“We were actually on holiday at the time and there was talk about the move,” she added.

“Riyad had a few years left on his contract at City and was really settled there. Every conversation was ‘we're not going to move yet, it's something we'll consider in a few years’. I started hearing people from Saudi showing interest but never thought anything would come of it.

“He flew home two days early to start pre-season so as far as I was concerned he was going back to Man City and that was it. One day he rang me while I was sat on the beach and said ‘we're moving and I'm going tomorrow, that's it’.

“He put me on the phone to one of the girls at the club and I burst into tears - I was like ‘I can't believe this is happening’. It happened so quick, you don't get a minute to say bye to everyone. One minute he was starting pre-season, the next he was saying goodbye.”

Married to the Game will show how the couple and 18-month old daughter Mila have settled into life in Saudi Arabia.

Ward has hopped between Jeddah and Manchester since the move but admits to having been surprised by life in their new surroundings, helped by some home comforts.

“So far, the experience has been amazing,' she said. “There's obviously no alcohol so I won't be having a glass of wine! To be honest, there's more there than I originally thought. When I went on my first trip, I saw a Nando's. I was just like ‘I'm so happy they've got Nando's’.

“The vibe is just very different. It's a lot more chilled out there, it's quieter and calmer, whereas in Manchester life is so busy - there's so much going on and we're always going out for dinner and seeing friends. That's probably what I'm missing the most, seeing family and friends rather than what the country is missing.

“The people have been so lovely - I think that was actually a massive shock, how nice everyone has been. You can't compare it to the UK - it's nothing like here. I'm enjoying it so far, it just feels like I'm on holiday, I don't feel like I've moved there yet.”