Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez said on Tuesday he is seeking to leave 2016 English Premier League champions Leicester City to pursue glory elsewhere.

The 26-year-old was instrumental in helping Leicester defy the odds to win a historic title following a fairytale run last season, scoring 17 goals.

Reports last summer linked him with a move to several high-profile teams, including Arsenal, but he opted to stay put.

However, Leicester have endured a disappointing season, finishing 12^th in the 20-team table.

"Out of the huge admiration and respect I hold for Leicester City Football Club I wanted to be totally honest and transparent with them and have therefore informed the club that I feel now is the time for me to move on," Mahrez said in a statement, according to British media.

"I had a good discussion with the chairman last summer and we agreed at that time that I would stay for another year in order to help the club as best as I could following the transition of winning the title and in the Champions League.

"However, I am fiercely ambitious and feel that now is the time to move on to a new experience."

Mahrez won the BBC African Footballer of the Year award last December but he could only score six Premier League goals this term, providing four assists.

"I've always enjoyed a good relationship with the chairman and everyone at the club, and I hope I have been able to repay the faith shown to me by my performances and commitment on the pitch during my time here," he added.

"I've had the four best seasons of my career at Leicester and have loved every moment. I feel immense pride to have been a part of what we have achieved during my time at the club, culminating in becoming Premier League champions.

"The relationship I share with the club and our amazing fans is something I will treasure forever and I truly hope they will understand and respect my decision."

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