Xavi's The New Arab interview 'flatters' Algerian footballer Mahrez

Algerian footballer Riyad Mahrez – recently named the player of the year in the English Premier League – has expressed his joy about comments Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez made to The New Arab.

Xavi recently said the "pride of Algeria" had the footballing skills to play for the Catalan giants.

"That's nice to hear, and very flattering coming from a player like [Xavi]," Mahrez told French media.

Mahrez, however, made it clear that he did not want to offend his current club Leicester City, which is one win away from securing the Premier League title in a season that has broken records and defied all the odds.

"I don't want to talk too much about this because it could be interpreted badly," he said.

Mahrez has become the first Arab and African to be named English football's player of the year.

In March, Xavi said: "[Mahrez] is a very good player. He suddenly came to my attention this season, I didn't know about him before, but this season he has blown up.

"He has made a name for himself among the top names in the English league and played exceptionally well. Thanks to what he has done for his club, he can now play for any big club in Europe."

When asked if he could play for Barca, the Spanish great said: "Yeah, why not? He could play for Barcelona in the future. He is talented, but that is not in my hands these days!"