“I don’t regret anything” – Manuel Akanji offers further explanation into Manchester City exit | OneFootball

Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has offered a further insight into his exit from the Etihad Stadium having joined Inter on a season-long loan with option to buy.

The Switzerland international’s departure was one of the most talked-about stories in the final days of the summer transfer window, with his future the subject of multiple approaches from European clubs.

AC Milan and Tottenham both held conversations over a move, while Galatasaray had explored the possibility of a package deal earlier in the window involving Ederson and İlkay Gündoğan. Eventually, it was Inter who struck an agreement, completing a loan deal.

That arrangement will see Inter cover part of Akanji’s wages and pay a €2 million loan fee, with a €15 million buy-option clause attached for next summer, becoming mandatory if Akanji features in at least half of Inter’s matches and Cristian Chivu guides his side to a Serie A title.

The defender had already spoken about the sheer competition at Manchester City, noting that Pep Guardiola was transparent about the difficulties of rotating six senior centre-backs. Now, he has offered a more personal reflection on his departure.

Speaking whilst away on international duty with Switzerland, in comments relayed by Blick, Manuel Akanji spoke of his intention to say a proper farewell to all those at Manchester City when his schedule permits.

“It’s difficult to realise the whole thing,” the 30-year-old said of his move to Inter. “First, we were still part of our old club, and now we’re moving, and there are still a few things to sort out.”

Akanji continued, as translated by Sport Witness, “My family and I have felt very comfortable in Manchester, but I don’t regret anything; I’m looking forward to the new challenge. I can hardly wait to meet my new teammates.

“Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to say goodbye to City yet, but I definitely want to do that with a team meal, which isn’t so easy due to the schedule. But it’s important to me that I can say goodbye and start again.”

For Manchester City, Akanji’s exit lightens the logjam at centre-back but also highlights the fine balance of Pep Guardiola’s defensive resources heading into another packed campaign.

With Ruben Dias, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Aké, and Abdukodir Khusanov available, there is still depth, though the risk of injury crises has been well documented in previous seasons.

From Inter’s perspective, Manuel Akanji’s arrival adds proven European pedigree to a backline seeking both stability and flexibility. His experience in the Premier League and Champions League could prove pivotal in their pursuit of domestic glory.