Cherki has completed a £30.5 million move to City; player was part of the Lyon team beaten in the Europa League by United
New Manchester City signing Rayan Cherki has already set his sights on facing local rivals Manchester United, declaring his eagerness to meet the Red Devils in next season’s derby.
The 21-year-old forward completed a £30.5m move from Lyon last week and is expected to feature in City’s opening Club World Cup fixture against Wydad AC on Wednesday. However, speaking ahead of his potential debut, Cherki admitted he is already anticipating his first clash against United in the Premier League.
Cherki was part of the Lyon team who were narrowly beaten 7-6 on aggregate by United in last season’s Europa League quarter-finals and he is still unhappy about it.
“I didn’t like it when Manchester United won the game because I’m a Lion,” said Cherki, “Now I wait for the game to kill them.”
Guardiola will rely on Cherki and fellow new signing Tijjani Reijnders to fill the Kevin De Bruyne-sized hole in the City squad. However, while praising the Belgian midfielder, Cherki was quick to draw a line.
“I’m not Kevin De Bruyne, he’s the legend,” said Cherki. “I’m here to help the team and take it game after game. Pep told me he loves the No 10 position, but now I am ready to play all positions on the pitch. It’s not complicated, I just want to play.”
The France international cited Guardiola as a key reason for choosing City, praising the manager’s clarity in communicating his philosophy.
“When I spoke with Pep he was very clear about the system, the club, the city. And I want to win, and I think Manchester City want to win it all.”
