Rayan Cherki and France were beaten by Spain in the World Cup semi-final with Lucas Digne conceding a penalty
Rayan Cherki after a France game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Rayan Cherki was left irritated(Image: Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
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Manchester City star Rayan Cherki’s frustration was clear as he responded to a question about France teammate Lucas Digne. Cherki and Co. suffered a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup semi-final on Tuesday night to exit the tournament.
The City star had played an important role in helping France reach the semi-final, but could not help his country overcome a two-goal deficit at the hands of Spain.
France conceded a penalty in the first half after a foul from Digne on Lamine Yamal, before Tottenham Hotspur star Pedro Porro doubled their advantage in the second half.
Cherki was named on the bench by France boss Didier Deschamps and replaced Michael Olise in the 72nd minute when his country were already trailing by two goals.
After France were defeated and officially eliminated from the World Cup, Cherki was asked how Digne was feeling after conceding the crucial spot-kick in the first half.
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However, in response, the City star appeared to be rather irritated by the question before giving his response.
“What do you think I’m going to tell you? That he was crying? That we put his head in it? No, these are things that happen in the game, it’s football,” a visibly frustrated Cherki told reporters.
“We have to take him with us. He has to be with us. At half time, we were all together.
“We knew that the second goal was going to be super important. Today, the disappointment is immense.”
Cherki and Co. will have to remain in the United States for at least a few more days as they prepare for the third-fourth place play-off match on Saturday.
France will face the losers in the match between England and Argentina, while the winners will go on to take on Spain in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
After that, Cherki will have a summer break before eventually returning to duty with City for pre-season, as the club prepares for a new campaign under new manager Enzo Maresca.