Rayan Cherki: Man City target speaks on his future

Lyon midfielder, Rayan Cherki has spoken about his future as he is likely to leave the club.

Lyon will have to sell some of their players to balance their books, and the 21-year-old could be one of those who will be leaving the club. 

The club legend, Alexander Lacazette, has already left the club as a free agent after his deal ended this summer as part of the process of reducing players’ wages.

Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with L’Équipe,  Cherki said he is the only one who will decide on his next destination despite several criticisms.

The midfielder further expressed his displeasure towards how the club treated him last summer as they tried to force his exit due to his contract status.

Lyon wanted to sell the Lyon academy product last summer because he was set to enter the final year of his contract so that they would not lose him on a free transfer. 

Paris Saint-Germain had an agreement with their Ligue 1 compatriots but could not convince Cherki.

Bundesliga giant, Borussia Dortmund were able to convince the player but not the club. 

This made Lyon place him in the “loft” as they tried to force him through a transfer that summer. After transfer deadline day came and went with a bid from Fulham accepted by Lyon but rejected by the player, Cherki was left out of the team.

It was when he signed a contract extension before Lyon reinserted him back into the matchday squad. 

Speaking about what he went through that time, he lamented that everyone forgets the sacrifice he had made for the club, saying such behavior shows that football can be thankless.

“I gave everything to the club. I signed my first professional contract there despite other options. I extended my contract several times, and I always gave my word not to leave on a free transfer. And despite that, in return, some tried to hurt me.” 

“I never gave up. I knew where I wanted to go. I was heavily criticized by some internally, my entourage was criticized… but I’m the one who makes decisions.” 

Cherki, who has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City, is expected to decide his next destination in a matter of days.