Rayan Cherki reflects on emotional Lyon homecoming after Manchester City transfer | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki has opened up on his brief return to Lyon this week amid a period of time off away from the relentless English football schedule.

Cherki has enjoyed a fine debut season at the Etihad Stadium since joining from Lyon for £34 million as Manchester City adapt to life beyond Kevin De Bruyne, who left the club on a free transfer last summer.

Pep Guardiola has handed Cherki the keys to Manchester City’s midfield and the France international has forged strong on-pitch partnerships with the likes of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Tijjani Reijnders in attack.

City are vying for silverware on four fronts in the second half of the season, having cut the gap between first and second in the Premier League to four points in recent weeks. The Blues have also progressed to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 and will face Arsenal in the Carabao 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 expected to retain his starting place against the Magpies later this week as City aim to maintain the pressure on league leaders Arsenal in the final stretch of the season.

The 22-year-old will be key in determining Manchester City’s finish to the season, having struggled for regular starts of late after a bright end to 2025 that saw him notably score a monumental winner over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground at the end of December 2025.

Upon a visit back to 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 are 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 yet to peak as he continues to learn his trade under Guardiola, who is reaping the rewards of the shrewd acquisitions of Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana since he replaced long-serving executive Txiki Begiristain last summer.

City saw off stiff competition in England and abroad to sign the talented playmaker, who has scored nine goals and provided nine assists in 33 appearances in all competitions already this term.

Guardiola has a decision to make on the final year of his contract and there is no doubt the Catalan will be tempted to see out his current deal till 2027 to have more time to mould the likes of Cherki into a more complete player at the Etihad Stadium.