Rayan Cherki has admitted he wants to “kill” Manchester United following his move to Manchester City from Olympique Lyonnais.
The France international completed a €36.5 million transfer to the Etihad Stadium on 10 June and he could make his debut for Pep Guardiola’s side in their opening fixture of the 2025 Club World Cup against Wydad AC on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old notched 12 goals and 20 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign and Man City pushed to finalise a deal with Lyon amid their pursuit of a long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne – who has joined Napoli on a free transfer.
As mentioned, Man Utd were also eager to sign Cherki this summer, but the Frenchman opted to join their inter-city rivals instead and he has now vowed to “kill” Ruben Amorim’s side when he faces them next season.
Rayan Cherki on Man Utd
Cherki starred during Lyon’s Europa League quarter-final fixture against Man Utd last campaign, scoring in both legs, however his side were dumped out of the competition following a late winner from Harry Maguire.
Speaking ahead of Man City’s opening match of the Club World Cup, Cherki told reporters (via The Daily Mail): “I didn’t like it when Manchester United won the game against Lyon because I am a Lyonnais.
“Now I am waiting for the game [to] kill them. I just [wanted] to go to Manchester City.
“When I spoke with Pep and he wanted me – he was very, very clear. That the system, the club, the city is very good. I want to win and I think City wants to win it all. For me that’s better.
“When you see Rodri, he won the Ballon d’Or here – it’s clear that with City it’s possible and I am here for this.”
Cherki added: “I’m not Kevin de Bruyne – he’s the legend [of the club]. I’m here to help the team. We have the best players in the world. I work and I wait my turn.
“I spoke with Pep about my position on the pitch and we spoke about what I enjoy when I’m on the pitch. It’s very good for me.
“He told me he loves a No.10, but now I play all the positions in the pitch – so it’s not complicated because I just want to play.
“Pep told me: ‘When you have the ball, you are free,’ which is very good for me because it’s my first quality to help the team.”
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