Rayan Cherki has offered a revealing insight into life at Manchester City, describing manager Pep Guardiola as “crazy” in his relentless devotion to the game, while outlining his own ambitions to flourish in what he considers the world’s most demanding league.
The 22-year-old, who completed a move from Olympique Lyonnais to the Etihad Stadium last summer, has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most intriguing attacking talents.
Signed on a long-term deal until 2030 for a reported £30.5 million, the France international is already being viewed as a shrewd acquisition by the Sky Blues.
Cherki’s arrival has coincided with a strong run of form for City, and his performances have drawn attention for their inventiveness, flair and unpredictability — qualities that align closely with Guardiola’s philosophy, yet retain a distinctive personal touch.
Learning under Guardiola and chasing success
Speaking about his experience under Guardiola, Cherki did not hold back in his admiration for the Catalan coach, whose influence he believes is both intense and transformative.
“Unbelievable. Pep is crazy. He loves football. The football is him, and he is the football,” Cherki said per ESPN
The young forward’s description reflects the widely held perception of Guardiola as a manager wholly consumed by the sport, constantly seeking improvement from both himself and his players.
For Cherki, that environment has proven to be the ideal setting to accelerate his development.
“It’s very good to work with him because all seconds, all minutes, all day we try, we try, we try, we work a lot,” he continued.
“And, for me, it’s better because I love when I learn all the time. That is unbelievable.”
Such comments underline the demanding nature of life at City, where high standards are non-negotiable and continuous progression is expected.
Yet Cherki appears to relish that challenge, embracing the opportunity to refine his craft under one of the most decorated coaches in modern football.
Guardiola, for his part, has already spoken highly of his new signing, describing him as a “special player” and a “free soul” — terms that suggest both technical excellence and creative independence.
That freedom has become increasingly evident as Cherki takes on a more prominent role in City’s push to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal.
With a crucial encounter between the two sides looming on April 19, the stakes could hardly be higher.
The match is expected to play a significant role in shaping the title race, and Cherki’s ability to unlock defences may prove decisive.
Despite the pressure, the midfielder remains focused on enjoying his football while contributing to the team’s objectives.
“I think a lot of things [about the Premier League], but the first thing is it’s the best league in the world and I’m very proud to be here,” he told club media.
“I want to play, I want to take pleasure, I want to win games, I want to score, I want to give assists for my partners.”
Football as art and identity
While Cherki is clearly adapting to the tactical demands of English football, he remains deeply committed to expressing himself on the pitch.
In an era where systems and structure often dominate, his approach stands out for its emphasis on creativity and emotion.
“Football for me is like art,” the City star said. “It’s like music, it’s like drawing.”
That artistic perspective informs his playing style, characterised by inventive dribbling, bold passing and a willingness to attempt the unexpected.
For Cherki, performance is not solely about results, but also about the experience it creates for those watching.
- Key Man City player returns to training ahead of Arsenal match
- Richard Keys explains why Anthony Taylor should not officiate Man City vs Arsenal
“If we don’t play with pleasure, you can’t play better, you can’t show what you want,” he explained.
His philosophy extends beyond personal enjoyment, encompassing a broader sense of responsibility to entertain and inspire.
“And me, when I go on the pitch, I just want two things: the children, the dad, the mum, to forget for 90 minutes the life.”
In those words lies a reminder of football’s power as a form of escapism — a chance for supporters to momentarily set aside their concerns and immerse themselves in the drama of the game.
“A lot of people do not have my chance and when I go on the pitch it’s to show my style and let people] say ‘oh my God, I forgot my life for 90 minutes!’”
“The problems disappear. ‘This style is just him, just Rayan Cherki, and not everybody.'”
