"I have been waiting only for the return match against Manchester United. I want to 'destroy' them."
Rayan Cherki (22) vowed 'revenge' against Manchester United in his first official interview after donning the Manchester City uniform. Looking back on the disappointing memories of being eliminated by Manchester United in the quarterfinals of last season's Europa League, he expressed his determination with the somewhat harsh remark, "I want to kill them."
The Guardian reported on the 16th (Korean time) that Cherki's aspirations were highlighted in an interview he gave after signing with Manchester City. Cherki recently left Lyon and signed with Manchester City for a transfer fee of £30.5 million (about 56.2 billion won).
He said, "I really disliked it when Manchester United won. I'm 'Lion' of Lyon. Now I'm with Manchester City, and I'm waiting for the match against Manchester United. I want to destroy them" with a firm tone. In the second leg of the previous Europa League quarterfinal, Cherki sparked controversy after scoring in the away match against Manchester United and making provocative gestures toward home fans.
Cherki also conveyed the message from head coach Pep Guardiola. "Guardiola said, 'You can freely do what you want when you have the ball.' That is also my greatest strength. Being able to play freely on the field is very positive for me," he stated.
Cherki, who alternates between an attacking midfielder and the wing, faces the task of filling Kevin De Bruyne's void at Manchester City. However, he humbly remarked, "I am not Kevin De Bruyne. He is a legend. I just want to help the team and do my best in every match."
Regarding his transfer background, he explained, "I talked with Coach Guardiola, and he clearly explained the system, the club, and the city. I want to win, and Manchester City is a team that wants to win everything. I felt it was a match for me."
His personal goals are also clear. Cherki said, "I want to one day win the Ballon d'Or. Seeing Rodri winning at Manchester City makes me think that it is possible for me too with this team."
He is scheduled to face Wydad in the first match of Group G of the Club World Cup at Lincoln Field in Philadelphia, U.S., on the 19th, followed by consecutive matches against Al Ain and Juventus. Cherki stated, "I want to win and dominate all competitions. I am very happy to participate in the first-ever renewed Club World Cup."
Meanwhile, Cherki continues to be regarded as a talented player drawing attention at a young age in the European stage. Having been labeled as a 'genius playmaker' since his time at Lyon, he has caught the opportunity to grow alongside the world's best coach at Manchester City.
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