Cherki blickt auf turbulentes Jahr zurück: „Einige haben versucht, mir zu schaden“
Mit Blick auf den Transfermarkt war es nicht das Jahr von Rayan Cherki, sportlich dafür umso mehr. Geht es nun zu Manchester City statt zum BVB?[...]
It was not Rayan Cherki's year in terms of the transfer market, but all the more so in sporting terms. With twelve goals and 20 assists in 44 appearances, the Olympique Lyon youngster had the best season of his career. The 21-year-old was called up to the French national team for the first time for the Nations League finals. Now the next step in his career should also work out after the last two transfer phases were sobering.
Cherki emphasized in an interview with “L'Équipe” that he alone will decide his future. "Nobody will decide for me how, why and where. I don't want to suffer. (...) I hope that in ten or fifteen years I can say that I am proud of myself and my decisions." A club doesn't have to do much to convince him. "You have to talk to me about soccer. About soccer and more soccer. Quite simply."
Cherki is spoiled for choice, he has long been able to reach for the top shelf. Top clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester City are among those interested. According to Sky, talks with the Sky Blues are at an advanced stage and a verbal agreement is close. "I'm ready for any system. I work physically and mentally every day to be ready. Above all, I'm trying to choose the best option for me to develop as a person and a footballer," Cherki said of the rumors.
However, Man City or another interested party would also have to come to an agreement with Lyon. Cherki extended his contract at OL last September by a further year until 2026 after Les Gones had decided to discard him at the start of the season as they did not want to lose him for nothing. The transfer fee is between 35 million and 40 million euros.
"It shows that soccer can be ungrateful, because I gave everything to the club. Despite the interest, I signed my first professional contract there, extended it several times and always gave my word that I would not leave on a free transfer. And yet some people tried to harm me in return," explained Cherki. "But I never gave up. I knew where I wanted to go. I was heavily criticized internally by some, people criticized my environment. But I'm the one who makes the decisions."
Last summer, Cherki is said to have been on the verge of a move to Paris Saint-Germain before Borussia Dortmund intervened. However, Cherki's potential transfer is said to have led to internal unrest at BVB. Another attempt was made in the winter, but was blocked by Lyon despite the player's desire to move. A third attempt is likely to be unsuccessful due to the notable competition.
"I could have made other decisions, gone straight to Paris Saint-Germain very early in the transfer window without even talking to Dortmund. But that's part of my story, my stages. It was also my first big transfer window, where I learned a lot and thought a lot," Cherki looked back. “Today I am ready.” He is nevertheless satisfied with his time at Lyon, in which he scored 74 goals in 185 games.
"I did what I wanted to do at OL, to be a true Lyon player and give everything for my club. I didn't abandon ship when it sank. I stayed, I gritted my teeth. I cried, I laughed, I was scared. But a good man has to be like that, it's part of his DNA. Even if it's hard, even if you cry, even if you're scared, you have to go into battle for your club," Cherki summarized.