Rayan Cherki explains Man City move and Guardiola influence

Rayan Cherki has revealed that working under Pep Guardiola was central to his decision to join Manchester City, describing the Catalan as his lifelong reference point for how football should be played.

The 22-year-old arrived from Olympique Lyonnais last summer and, after a brief adaptation period, has begun to justify City’s belief in his talent.

Cherki has registered seven assists and four goals in 18 appearances this season, operating primarily in City’s fluid attacking midfield roles alongside Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku.

Despite having been a senior professional since the age of 16, the Frenchman admits Guardiola’s impact has been immediate.

“It’s the intensity he puts into football every day,” Cherki explained. “The energy, the emotional involvement, it’s incredible to see.”

He added that Guardiola has long represented the ideal version of the game in his mind.

“Pep has always been my vision of football. Since I entered the professional world, that’s the football I wanted to play. Coming here made everything clearer and simpler.”

Cherki’s early months in England have been defined not only by output, but by moments of imagination and flair. The City No.10 insists that expression has always been central to his identity as a player.

“I like beautiful things. I love football with emotion,” he said. “I want my team-mates to enjoy themselves, and I want the fans to enjoy what they see.”

However, he was clear that style alone is not enough.

“It’s about being effective. Giving pleasure, yes, but also delivering results. That’s the objective.”

One of Cherki’s most promising partnerships has been with Erling Haaland, who leads the Premier League scoring charts with 19 goals.

The pair’s understanding has developed rapidly, both on and off the pitch.

“I think he saw quickly that I like to laugh and enjoy myself, and he’s the same,” Cherki said. “When two people are on the same wavelength, it works.”

He believes that personal chemistry translates directly into performances.

“If you connect off the pitch, you connect on it. We’re very happy with that relationship.”

At the halfway point of the campaign, City sit second in the Premier League, four points behind Arsenal, while remaining well positioned in both the Champions League and the Carabao Cup.

Cherki is confident the squad has the depth and quality to challenge across all fronts.

“We have what it takes to win as many matches and trophies as possible,” he said. “Every game is a challenge, but we’re ready.”

Cherki’s comments underline how Guardiola’s pull continues to shape City’s recruitment, particularly among technically gifted players. More importantly, they reinforce the sense that Cherki is not merely adapting to Guardiola’s system, but embracing it as the football he has always wanted to play.

Is Cherki the best summer signing this season?