Rayan Cherki pays tribute to Didier Deschamps after France finish fourth at World Cup | OneFootball

Two days after France’s World Cup ended with a 4-6 defeat to England in the third-place play-off, Rayan Cherki used social media to reflect on the campaign, praise Didier Deschamps and thank supporters. He had faced heavy criticism for his level and attitude during the tournament as Les Bleus finished fourth.

The Manchester City player said in a post that he was inevitably sad about a competition in which the squad had set out to make fans proud and happy, and that daily backing had been their driving force.

His message also saluted Deschamps, who took charge of his final game as France coach against England, a match in which Cherki was replaced at half-time. He expressed boundless gratitude for what Deschamps has achieved for French football and for giving him his first caps, adding that history speaks for the manager.

The 22-year-old, capped 14 times and formerly an attacking option at OL, broadened his thanks to the backroom staff and federation employees who supported the squad and looked after their families.

He closed by addressing his team-mates, calling the group a family despite differences, mistakes or setbacks, and urging unity so that French football comes back stronger.

Source: L'Équipe