Explained: Why Riyad Mahrez visited Man City squad during Club World Cup downtime as Pep Guardiola highlights ‘incredible love’ for Al-Ahli star

Former Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez visited his former colleagues in Jeddah and joined them for a lavish team dinner ahead of the club's Club World Cup final clash against Fluminense on Thursday.

The Algerian left the Cityzens after five years this summer to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli which is based out of Jeddah where the Club World Cup is being hosted.

The Citizens boss was elated to see his former player as he told reporters, "We had dinner together, we were there, it was great being together, we can't spend five or six days altogether, 24 hours, really good. Players are ready, they know how important it is, a pleasure to be here. It was a lovely night to see Riyad back, he’s living here in Jeddah, was really nice to see him, he had dinner with us, to spending time together was really cool.

"He knows, Aymeric Laporte, Cole Palmer, Gundo, they were a really incredible part of the success for many years we had. When we can see them again it’s really cool, really nice. Unfortunately, they have a game tomorrow but we have incredible memories and incredible love for Riyad in the locker room. A good decision for him for the last years of his career and we wish him all the best."

The reigning European and English champions reached the final after beating Asian champions Urawa Reds in the semi-finals. Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva were on target for the Sky Blues while Marius Hoibraten netted an own goal as the Premier League club outclassed the Japanese giants.

While Guardiola would hope to win yet another trophy with City on Friday, his side dealt a major injury blow as Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku did not take part in team training on Thursday. Both players along with Kevin de Bruyne are not included in the team's 23-man squad for the tournament despite traveling with the club to Saudi Arabia.