Deschamps writes to Cherki after World Cup to predict bright future

Days after leaving his post as France manager, Didier Deschamps took the time to write personally to Rayan Cherki, according to L’Équipe. Accompanied by his assistant Guy Stéphan, the former manager wished the attacking midfielder at Manchester City a great season, while also sending him a message about his future: they imagine a bright future for him if he manages “to suppress his frustrations”.

The gesture takes on particular significance given the context. During the third-place playoff of the 2026 World Cup against England, lost 4-6, Deschamps and Cherki had a tense exchange during the first-half water break. The number 10 was substituted at half-time. Despite this public clash, the message sent in recent days shows that the former Juventus coach harboured no grudge against the 23-year-old player.

Cherki, according to the same newspaper, was deeply moved by this gesture. He had himself paved the way for reconciliation at the end of the tournament by posting a tribute to Deschamps on Instagram: “Infinite gratitude to the coach for everything he has accomplished for French football and for giving me my first caps with the Blues. History speaks for him.”

Deschamps is handing over to Zinedine Zidane after fourteen years leading the Blues, a tenure crowned by the 2018 World Cup title. For Cherki, a new chapter begins: determined to establish himself in his new manager’s starting eleven, he has started the season in fine form with two goals and two assists in four matches.