Manchester City F.C. midfielder Rayan Cherki has spoken about his football philosophy, expressing a deep nostalgia for creative “magic” in an era increasingly dominated by data and physical output.
In a recent interview, the French playmaker discussed how he balances the demands of the modern game with the talent that defined his idols.
“Is the football you play now the same as the one you played when you were a child? Oh no. It has become my job. But I try to play in the style that made me fall in love with football in the first place — the football of Eden Hazard, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi,” Cherki initially said.
“How do you see modern professional football? I’m not a fan of all its aspects. I would like us to say: ‘Robots are good, but magic is better.’ A match with 99% successful passes is fine, but a match with five or six moments of genius will always be better.”
“Does this tactical and athletic style of football frustrate you? The high volume of the game is not the problem — quite the opposite. But it’s a bit frustrating because nowadays many coaches are constantly looking for whoever runs more or jumps higher. For me, football is something completely different. But on the other hand, I don’t have scientific knowledge,” the French star concluded.
Meanwhile, Cherki transferred in the summer from Olympique Lyonnais to Manchester City F.C. for around €35 million. So far he has played 38 matches, scoring 9 goals and providing 10 assists, although he is not a regular starter.
