Rayan Cherki has taken the brave decision of leaving his boyhood club Lyon to sign for Manchester City.
Manchester City fans are excited about Cherki’s signing and they cannot wait for the 21-year-old to do what he does best at the Etihad Stadium.
After signing Rayan Ait-Nouri on Monday, the Frenchman’s addition indicates Pep Guardiola’s men could be out for revenge next season.
Hugo Viana backed Cherki to become “world-class” and Lyon fans seem to feel the same, as they sent bittersweet messages to a player who has been their poster-boy for years.
Lyon fans bittersweet about Rayan Cherki signing for Man City
One Lyon fan wished Rayan Cherki well after his move to Manchester City was confirmed, writing: “Thank you for everything, maestro, we will follow you everywhere from now on.”
A second supporter hoped the youngster wins plenty of silverware at the Etihad Stadium: “Good luck at City, have fun! I hope you win as many trophies as possible! We miss you already.”
A third Lyon fan reacted to Cherki’s move to Manchester City by simply writing: “Good luck Rayan! Once [a] gone, always a gone [Les Gones is Lyon’s motto, which translates to ‘the kids’ in French].”
A fourth fan admitted that as upset as he is about the Manchester City new-boy’s exit, he wishes he succeeds under Pep Guardiola due to being a rarity in the modern game: “Damn, tears in my eyes. Thanks for everything Rayan, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed defending you and how much I’m going to enjoy defending you again and again. We don’t see players like you much anymore, if at all. So let’s go smash it out there, my little one.”
Another supporter sent a message to Cherki, stating: “Huge respect for you, Rayan. We won’t forget you, don’t forget us.”
Finally, a sixth Lyon fan predicted Cherki to set the world alight at Manchester City as he expects him to thrive under Pep Guardiola: “Thank you for all the emotions, the dribbles, the moments that excited us so much, you are a generational star who will make his mark in football with a coach who has everything to make you one of the best.”
While Cherki is excited to work with Guardiola, he will be relieved that the Lyon supporters still adore him and hope he shines in the Premier League.
Cherki reveals the real reason why he left Lyon to join Man City
Lyon fans will understand Cherki’s admission about leaving the French giants because he felt Manchester City’s project was perfect for his development.
The youngster told Manchester City’s official website: “This is a dream for me.”
“Honestly, to be joining a club like Manchester City and have the opportunity to make the next step in my career here is something very, very special. I have worked so hard for this all my life. I love this sport and I can’t wait to develop further here in Manchester with Pep and his backroom staff.”
Cherki concluded: “Everyone knows how good City are, they have been so successful for many years now. The responsibility to help the team continue winning is something I want to embrace. I would only leave Lyon for a project I really believe in and everything at City suggests I can develop my game and help the team be successful in the future. I can’t wait to show City fans what I can do.”
