Manchester City Star Rayan Cherki Speaks On Emotional Return To Lyon

Rayan Cherki has spoken about his brief return to Olympique Lyonnais this week, taking the opportunity to reconnect with home during a short break from the intensity of English football.

‎The young midfielder has enjoyed an impressive first season at Manchester City, following his £34 million move from Lyon. His arrival has been a key part of City’s transition into a new era after the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, who left the club on a free transfer last summer.

‎Pep Guardiola has effectively handed Rayan Cherki the creative reins in Manchester City’s midfield, and the France international has quickly developed strong on-field connections with Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Tijjani Reijnders in the attacking third.

‎City remain in contention for silverware on four fronts as the season enters its decisive phase.

‎They have narrowed the Premier League gap to just four points, secured their place in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, and are set to meet Arsenal in the EFL Cup final at Wembley on March 22.

‎With no midweek game, Guardiola handed the Manchester City first-team squad three days off after Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round win over Salford City, with Premier League duties returning this weekend with a visit from Newcastle United.

‎Cherki started at the weekend and is likely to keep his place against Newcastle United as Manchester City continue their push to close the gap on leaders Arsenal.

‎The 22-year-old remains a crucial figure for City in the final stretch of the season. His influence will be especially important after a recent spell of limited starts. Cherki’s confidence stems from a strong finish to 2025, highlighted by his dramatic winning goal against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground last December.

‎Upon a visit back to his former club Lyon this week, Cherki reflected upon his time at his boyhood club. “It is nice to come back (to Lyon),” the Frenchman said in conversation with Ligue 1 Plus, as relayed by Get French Football News.

‎“A 13th win in a row (for the club) is extraordinary. I am proud to see where Lyon is right now.

‎”I wish them all the best. I am trying to spend time where I am happy. That is important for me.”

‎Cherki is still far from his peak as he continues to grow under Pep Guardiola, who has benefited significantly from the sharp recruitment led by Hugo Viana since he succeeded long-serving executive Txiki Begiristain last summer.

‎Manchester City had to beat strong competition from clubs in England and abroad to secure the gifted playmaker, who has already delivered an impressive return of nine goals and nine assists in 33 appearances across all competitions this season.

‎Guardiola, meanwhile, faces a major decision with just one year remaining on his contract.

‎There is little doubt the Catalan coach will be tempted to stay through 2027, giving him more time to shape Cherki into a fully refined midfielder at the Etihad Stadium.