Table of Contents
- Cherki's Secret Trial at Chelsea
- Leaburn's Memories
- Cherki's Journey
- Leaburn's Career
- Leaburn's Chelsea Experience
MANCHESTER CITY star Rayan Cherki once had a secret trial at Chelsea — but he TURNED DOWN the West London club because he found it too easy!
This surprising revelation comes from striker Miles Leaburn, who was a youth player at the Premier League giants at the time.
Man City star Rayan Cherki had a secret trial at Chelsea but turned the Blues downCredit: Alamy
Miles Leaburn was on trial with Cherki and is now looking to defeat Chelsea with Charlton in the FA CupCredit: Alamy
Leaburn, 22, vividly recalls the day in 2015 when the French winger arrived at Cobham as a 12-year-old and left everyone amazed.
Cherki was registered with Lyon and showed up in West London without his club's knowledge.
Leaburn shared: “He came over from France and was performing rainbow flicks during training.
“I thought, ‘Oh my God, this is amazing.’ He genuinely declined to join because he probably found it too simple!
“He was far superior to everyone else — absolute quality. That was one of the standout moments of the eight years or so I spent at Chelsea.”
Cherki ultimately remained at Lyon, making 146 appearances for the club before transferring to City for £32 million last summer.
So far, he has made 22 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s team across all competitions and has earned two caps for France — starting in their 4-0 victory over Ukraine and coming on in their 3-1 win against Azerbaijan, both World Cup qualifiers.
Leaburn — the son of Charlton legend Carl — was released by Chelsea at age 16 and has been with Charlton Athletic ever since, earning promotion from League One last season and becoming a regular in the Championship.
He faces Chelsea this weekend in the FA Cup at The Valley.
Leaburn recalls how Chelsea courted him to sign with them by introducing their star players.
He stated: “I joined Chelsea when I was seven after they scouted me at a development center in Kidbrooke. At that time, I was playing for Cray Wanderers.
“I started attending their training ground at Cobham from that age, but you don’t sign a contract until you’re nine, committing to only one club.
“At that time, Chelsea, in an effort to entice you to sign, introduced us to some of their first-team players.
“I remember meeting John Terry, Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba, and Frank Lampard. It was such an exciting experience for a young kid to meet such top players.
“They were superstars, and over the years, you would see them when you walked past the first-team building on your way to the academy.
“I remember seeing Oscar, Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, and players like that.
“I was starstruck, but in those moments, you realize the magnitude of what could potentially come in your own career.
“It was a fantastic time there, and I learned a lot that has shaped who I am today.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rayan Cherki reject Chelsea?
Rayan Cherki rejected Chelsea because he found the trial too easy, as he was significantly better than the other players present.
What has been Cherki's career path since his trial at Chelsea?
After his trial at Chelsea, Rayan Cherki stayed at Lyon, where he made 146 appearances before transferring to Manchester City for £32 million.
What is Miles Leaburn's connection to Chelsea?
Miles Leaburn was a youth player at Chelsea and remembers his time there fondly, including the experience of meeting superstars like John Terry and Didier Drogba.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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