Riyad Mahrez’s ‘retirement’ from football confirmed as Facebook hack

A post appeared on his official page overnight which has more than one million followers

Mahrez is the victim of a hack by people with 'too much time on their hands' (Getty)

Leicester City have confirmed a Facebook post from Riyad Mahrez in which he seemingly retired from football is a result of a hack by people with “too much time on their hands”.

The club confirmed to The Independent that, after speaking with Mahrez, the post which appeared overnight on Tuesday was indeed fake and that they were working with Facebook to have it removed from the Algerian star’s official page, which has more than one million followers.

Mahrez has not been suffering with an injury having scored a stunning last-minute equaliser against Bournemouth on Saturday and Leicester have not confirmed the so-called ‘announcement’ as of Wednesday morning.

The original post on Mahrez's official page (@Riyad.Mahrez.RM26.7 (Facebook))

The post said: “After the last consultation with many doctors, I’ve decided to stay away from football.

“As my time as a football player comes to an end I would like to say few words.

“I want to thank everybody for the kindness and support they have shown me in this incredible city, you will be always in my heart.”

Mahrez is expected to be fit and feature in this weekend’s game away to West Bromwich Albion having put his January disappointment of a failed move to Manchester City behind him.

“I was very pleased with the way the fans have been with me throughout this,” he said on Saturday. “It was important for me. That’s why I will keep giving everything for the club.”