Taylor Ward, the wife of Riyad Mahrez, has candidly discussed the challenges of adjusting to life in Saudi Arabia following the winger’s transfer during the summer.
Ward shared her emotional journey on “Married To The Game,” a reality series that showcases the experiences of partners of footballers including Ilkay Gundogan, Jorginho, Matt Turner, and James Tarkowski.
The Algerian’s move to the Saudi Pro League after 10 seasons in England came as a shock to Ward, who suddenly faced the prospect of moving away from her native Manchester with the couple’s young daughter. “I feel like it is so hard, there are times I can’t, I just don’t like it,” confessed Ward.
The model recounted a story where she asked to use the hotel pool, only to be told it was off limits. “I won’t lie, I had a freakout yesterday. I called the hotel to ask, ‘I’m coming with my baby, What do people wear around the pool?’, I know it is a lot more conservative there and you have to dress a certain way. ‘
“I said, ‘I just want to check when I come with a baby: what is the best thing to wear, Do I need to wear something covered if I am going in the water?’ “They were like, ‘Oh no, sorry, it’s just a man’s pool, it is just a gents pool’”.
The summer transfer window in Saudi Arabia witnessed a surge in the signings of top-tier players, marking an unprecedented spending spree in the league. However, reports suggest that several players and their families have encountered difficulties adapting to life in the kingdom.
England’s Jordan Henderson terminated his contract with Al-Ettifaq after just five months, despite enduring significant financial consequences, as he struggled to settle in the league. Eager to continue playing European football ahead of this summer’s European Championship, the midfielder subsequently joined Dutch powerhouse Ajax.
Meanwhile, on the field, Riyad Mahrez’s Al-Ahli team has encountered challenges, failing to mount a title challenge and suffering defeat upon their return from the Saudi winter break last week.
Currently positioned third in the league table, they trail leaders Al-Hilal by 16 points and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr by nine. Mahrez and his teammates are set to face struggling Al-Tai in their upcoming match this Saturday.