New City star Cherki ready to make his mark and eclipse rivals United

The £34 million signing from Lyon has set high expectations for his time at the Etihad, stating his desire to win the Ballon d'Or and leaving no doubt about where his loyalties lie in the city's football rivalry.

Speaking after an intense training session on Sunday, the 21-year-old made it clear that Manchester United hold no appeal for him, despite their historic interest in his talent during his teenage years.

"As someone from Lyon, I never liked seeing United beat us," he said. "Now, I'm just waiting for the match — I want to destroy them. City was always the choice for me."

The right-winger also shared that a conversation with Pep Guardiola played a major role in his decision to join the Premier League giants. "When Pep called me, he was crystal clear about what the club stands for. The team, the style, the city — everything fits. City want to win everything, and so do I," he added.

With an eye on football's most prestigious individual prize, the player drew inspiration from teammate Rodri, saying: "Rodri won the Ballon d'Or here. That shows what's possible. I've come here to achieve the same."

The French midfielder's confidence and character suggest he'll be one to watch — both on and off the pitch — as he begins his journey in English football.