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Slim's pickings

Leicester record-buy Islam Slimani claims his move to the Foxes was a no-brainer… as they’re the biggest club in Algeria

Ex-Sporting Lisbon man watched every game of Premier League-winning season due to 'dear friend' Riyad Mahrez

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LEICESTER new-boy Islam Slimani has revealed all about his big-money move to the club, claiming the decision was a no-brainer.

The Algerian forward, 28, became the Foxes record buy when he put pen to paper on a £29.8million deadline day deal.

 Islam Slimani has signed up for five years at the King Power Stadium
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Islam Slimani has signed up for five years at the King Power StadiumCredit: Getty Images

And Slimani has said the decision to leave Sporting Lisbon couldn't have been simpler, as Claudio Ranieri's Leicester are the biggest team in Algeria.

He said: “My dear friend Riyad Mahrez spoke to me lots of times about the club and how good a club it was.

“The idea of playing together again is great for both of us, not only at a national team level but at a club level.

 Islam Slimani and Riyad Mahrez are long-time team-mates at international level
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Islam Slimani and Riyad Mahrez are long-time team-mates at international levelCredit: EPA

"That’s great for our national team as well. I watched almost every game last year that Leicester played.

“As everyone knows, Leicester City are the Premier League champions – the champions of England.

"For me, it was a club where I could come and become an even better player and also contribute a lot to the defence of the title.

 Riyad Mahrez played a huge role in Islam Slimani joining Leicester this summer
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Riyad Mahrez played a huge role in Islam Slimani joining Leicester this summerCredit: PA:Press Association

“Leicester City is without doubt the most supported club in Algeria now thanks to Riyad Mahrez and his participation at the club.

Speaking to , Slimani added: "[Winning the Premier League] was a big story and what it also showed was that anything can happen in football.

"That caught everyone’s eye.”

 Riyad Mahrez's heroics thrusted Leicester into the limelight in Algeria
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Riyad Mahrez's heroics thrusted Leicester into the limelight in AlgeriaCredit: Getty Images Europe

Slimani is hoping to forge a fruitful partnership with England hotshot Jamie Vardy at the King Power Stadium.

The Algerian star netted an incredible 27 times in just 33 appearances last season, as Ranieri looks to add some extra firepower in his bid to defend the club's Premier League crown.

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