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Cherki really wants to destroy MU, as a way to "avenge" Lyon. |
Manchester City are not short of talent. But after a decade of trophies, Pep Guardiola seems to be looking for more than just stability – he is looking for breakthroughs.
And in the summer of 2025, the name chosen to create “creative chaos” at Etihad is Rayan Cherki - a street artist transformed into a player, a doubted talent making his first voice in a Man City shirt.
Pep - the artist of the system, now playing with the one who breaks it
And Cherki didn’t mumble. He roared. “I’m from Lyon. And I’m waiting for Man United… to destroy them,” Cherki declared. Not the kind of statement Guardiola would normally encourage. But perhaps that’s why he picked Cherki.
Pep Guardiola was obsessed with control. But he also knew how to give space to the most "rebellious" players: from Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi to Zlatan Ibrahimovic (though unsuccessfully), or Jack Grealish. In Cherki, Pep had in his hands a rough diamond full of potential - but also an emotional bomb.
At 21, Cherki is one of the most technical players in Europe. He has two feet, dribbles like a dancer, and is slowly perfecting his decision-making - something that has kept him off the radar of many big clubs.
Last season, he scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists for Lyon - leading Europe in chances created per minute played. A staggering number for a player once considered a "social media talent".
Pep didn’t need many words to convince Cherki. Just one conversation. “When you have the ball, you are free,” was the message the Spaniard sent him. And for Cherki, that was all.
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Cherki is a new player of Man City. |
Kevin De Bruyne left Manchester City after 10 glorious years. And of course, no one will replace him. But Cherki did not come to be some version of De Bruyne - but to write a completely different chapter.
“I am not De Bruyne. He is a legend. I came to write my own story,” Cherki shared.
And perhaps, it was that arrogance that made Pep fall in love.
In a system as rigid as Man City’s, where positional and tactical discipline are paramount, Pep’s decision to give Cherki the “freedom on the ball” role suggests he is making a change – or a gamble. But Man City don’t just need craftsmen. They need artists. And great artists are always a little… crazy.
Man United - the scratches are still there
If there is anything that Man City fans find more interesting than Cherki's technical performance, it is... his hatred for Man United.
A native of Lyon, Cherki was eliminated by United in the Europa League last season after scoring in both legs. His outrageous celebration at Old Trafford - grabbing his private parts and pointing towards the stands - went viral. But for Cherki, it was revenge.
“I don’t like the fact that MU eliminated Lyon. Now I’m at Man City. And I’m waiting for the day to meet them again… to destroy them,” the former Lyon player declared.
Not every player would dare say that. But football needs such characters - people who bring the passion of confrontation, the spice that makes the Manchester derby less formulaic and more emotional.
In a City side that is well-oiled, Cherki is a wild, wild scribble of potential. He may be the riskiest signing of the summer. But if he plays up to his potential, he could be a game-changer – in the Premier League, at the Club World Cup, and in the Ballon d'Or race.
And Pep Guardiola, who did it with Messi, may be preparing a new masterpiece. A stroke of genius that is full of risk - but also full of reward.
Source: https://znews.vn/rayan-cherki-toi-muon-huy-diet-mu-post1561131.html
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