In a series airing on Prime Video, Taylor Ward, the wife of Riyad Mahrez, discusses the sudden move to Saudi Arabia to accompany her husband, who now plays for Al-Ahli.
Is Saudi Arabia and its millions starting to take a toll on the personal lives of some players? Taylor Ward opens up in the Prime Video documentary titled « Married to the Game, » airing from this Friday. During a conversation with her sister, Riyad Mahrez’s partner mentions the constraint of leaving and says she « has no choice. » The cultural shock between Manchester and Saudi Arabia is quite significant.
« One day, he called me while I was at the beach, and he said, ‘we’re going to Saudi Arabia, and I’m leaving tomorrow.’ That’s it. I couldn’t believe it was happening. Everything happened so quickly that we didn’t have a minute to say goodbye to everyone. »
Taylor Ward was particularly afraid of being alone at home. « It’s part of the game, isn’t it? » Riyad Mahrez replied. Then she mentions having a « panic attack » when she realized that the pool at her hotel was exclusively for men. « I know it’s silly, I don’t like swimming or getting my hair wet, but it’s just the reality check, » she said.
Taylor Ward also discusses the ban on consuming alcohol, even inside her home. However, she notes that « it’s more flexible compared to what I was initially told. » But it’s not England.
