'I'm here to write my own story' – Cherki not out to replace De Bruyne at City

Rayan Cherki does not want to be compared to Manchester City "legend" Kevin De Bruyne.

Instead, the France international wants to write his own script at his new club.

Cherki joined City from Lyon earlier in June, in a deal reportedly worth £34m (€40m). 

The 21-year-old bolsters Pep Guardiola's attacking midfield options after the departure of club great De Bruyne, who has moved to Napoli on a free transfer.

Cherki scored a stunning goal in France's loss to Spain in the Nations League finals and is coming off the back of a fantastic season with Lyon, having registered 32 goal involvements (12 goals, 20 assists) in 44 appearances.

But Cherki was quick to point out he should not be held up against De Bruyne.

"I'm not Kevin De Bruyne, he is the legend," he said, as quoted by BBC Sport.

"I'm here to help the team and to write my own story. I hope to win all the time with the team.

"When you see Rodri, he won the Ballon d'Or here – it's clear that with Manchester City it's possible and I am here for this.

"When I spoke with Pep, he wanted me. He was very, very clear. Pep told me, 'when you have the ball, you are free', which is very good for me because it's my first quality to help the team.

"The system, the club, the city is very good. I want to win and I think Manchester City wants to win it all."

Cherki arrived at City along with Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri, with the trio brought in ahead of the Club World Cup.

City start their campaign against Wydad AC on Wednesday.