Wednesday 16 December 2015 13:02, UK
Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez is adamant he will not be leaving the Premier League pacesetters in the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old has reportedly attracted the attention of several leading clubs across Europe after his strong performances for the Foxes in the first half of the season, including a goal an an assist in Monday's 2-1 victory over champions Chelsea.
Mahrez joined Leicester for around £500,000 from French Ligue 2 club Le Havre in 2014, and the player insists he wants to show some loyalty to the club who have given his the chance to shine.
The Algerian has been one of the standout performers in the league campaign so far, with 11 goals and seven assists in 15 appearances - no other player has been involved in more Premier League goals this season.
"It's best for me to stay until the end of the season. I was at Le Havre, I had six months left but nobody came to get me. Leicester tried very hard to get me," Mahrez said.
"I could feel that they wanted me. I took the decision without knowing the culture or the area. It was a risk.
"When you come from far away and you ended up in the Premier League it makes you happy."
Leicester moved two points clear at the top of the table on Monday following a 2-1 victory over struggling Chelsea.
The Foxes have taken everyone by surprise having narrowly avoided relegation last season, but Mahrez does not believe the team will win the title.
"We are not going to win the league, no," he said. "I don't think we have broad enough shoulders to do it. At the moment we are first, but that means nothing, the big teams will wake up at some point."
Claudio Ranieri's men kick off their festive fixtures against 10th-placed Everton on Saturday, followed by matches against Liverpool, Manchester City and Bournemouth.
