Mahrez outlines Man City's extra title motivation and clarifies exit stance

Riyad Mahrez has warned Manchester City's title rivals that the Blues are aiming to make history.

City can match the unique achievement of bitter rivals Manchester United by winning their fifth title in six years next season.

Mahrez reckons Pep Guardiola's men don't need any extra motivation to attempt to retain the trophy for a third successive season - but admits the prospect of equalling United, as the most consistent champions, is something they will be desperate to grasp.

"We really, really want to win again," said Mahrez. "When the season starts, we want to go again. That's the big motivation. We never ever think 'oh, it's going to be easy this year and that we can go a bit easy.'

"No, we go 100% from the beginning, because we want to win and we are built with this mentality. It's a good thing to know that we can make history.

"I think what we've done in the last four, five years is already amazing. But it would be very good to keep going and to try to break any records."

Mahrez feels at home in Manchester. He has just signed a new three-year contract and will soon be celebrating the birth of a daughter with wife Taylor Ward, daughter of former City striker Ashley Ward and Real Housewives of Cheshire star Dawn.

He added: "I believe that if you work hard you get rewarded. I was never worried about leaving. I love the club and that's where I feel the best here.

"It's difficult saying this, because I'm from a way different area, from Paris, which is so different to Manchester. But my family is here as well, so Manchester is like a 50-50 home. I really wanted to keep the stability because I feel good in Manchester."

Mahrez had the chance to win the title for City last season - only to miss a penalty at West Ham that took the fight with Liverpool down to the final day. He was substituted when the Blues were 2-0 down against Aston Villa and could only look on as his team-mates hit back in dramatic style to win the game.

"I had scored 11 penalties before that, so I wasn't thinking too much about West Ham. I was just thinking 'f***ing hell, what are we doing here, we're playing at home and we're losing 2-0 against Villa.'

"Sometimes you don't feel good in a game. I didn't that day, but other players came in and helped us to win - that's what our team is about."

Mahrez will be happy to step up to take penalties next season, if needed. But he hinted he is ready to step aside for Erling Haaland should City's new Norwegian striker ask to take the role.

Mahrez revealed that Haaland told him his heart was set on joining City when they met on holiday in Mykonos last summer.

He said: "I met Erling on holiday and we spent an afternoon together. Before that I didn't know him. I didn't try to convince him. He wanted to come already.

"He asked me about City and I said 'it's very good, you should come'. I think I'm staying on penalties, but we will see. I am open, I'm not really selfish."

City hope that Haaland's prowess in front of goal will finally deliver the Champions League after a series of near-misses. Mahrez added: "The Champions League is about small details, you know?

"Last year, we deserved to go to the final 20 times - and we didn't. But I think we will be there again this season. The most important thing is to arrive in these stages, because it's the most difficult part.

"Then, when you're there, sometimes you need a bit of luck, sometimes you need talent. You don't know what will make the difference so we will see."