France and Manchester City midfielder Rayan Cherki has shared a reflective message on the criticism he receives and the importance of unity and diversity within the French national team setup.
The 21-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of France’s most talented young attacking midfielders, said he sometimes does not understand why certain sections of the public hold negative opinions about him, but acknowledged that his personality and playing style may “ruffle feathers”.
“I don’t know why some people don’t like me. I can understand that I have a profile that ruffles feathers,” Cherki said.
He added that people sometimes judge him for superficial reasons, but insisted that he remains focused on his football and development as a player.
“Maybe because I have too big a beard or because I am a bit too dark-skinned,” he remarked, pointing to how appearance and background can sometimes influence perception in football and society.
Cherki also spoke positively about the French national team, describing it as a strong example of diversity and unity. France, one of the most successful international teams in recent years, has built a squad made up of players from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
“When I see the France team, it’s a magnificent team, with so much diversity, so many different stories. That’s what makes France striking today,” he said.
The Manchester City playmaker emphasised that unity should remain central both in football and wider society.
“No matter the skin colour, no matter the ethnicity: we all have to be together,” Cherki added.
