No one will decide my future for me — Man City's proposed De Bruyne replacement declares

Manchester City target Ryan Cherki recently opened up on his struggles last summer, when Lyon froze him out after he rejected the approach of a number of clubs. 

The 21-year-old had been one of the top-rated prospects in world football from his time at the Lyon Academy. However, he has struggled with consistency and injuries, which has seen his stock dip. 

This season, however, he reached incredible heights for Les Gones, registering 31 big chances in all competitions, a feat that has attracted suitors, including Manchester City, who have made strides in their bid to sign him. 

With his exit from Lyon this summer seemingly set in stone, Cherki had an interview with L’Equipe, in which he discussed his failed exit last summer and the consequences. 

With one year left on his contract, Lyon were keen to sell the playmaker. They agreed on terms with PSG; however, the Parisians could not reach an agreement on personal terms with the player. 

He agreed to join Dortmund, but the Germans failed to seal the deal with Lyon. Cherki also rejected a move to Fulham on deadline day, a decision that frustrated his club. 

Hence, they froze him out of the squad with an ultimatum: to sign a new contract, ensuring they don't lose him on a free, or remain axed. Cherki put pen to paper on a one-year deal and is now back in the market. 

Looking back at that distressful summer, he had the following to say: “Everyone forgets that,” he said, per GFFN. “It still makes me smile. It shows that football can be thankless, in the sense that I gave everything to the club. 

“I signed my first professional contract there despite other options, I extended my contract several times, and I always gave my word not to leave on a free transfer. And despite that, in return, some tried to hurt me.”

“I never gave up. I knew where I wanted to go. I was heavily criticised by some internally, my entourage was criticised… But I’m the one who makes decisions. No one will decide for me how, why, or where [I’ll go].”