Swiss Center-Back Explains Decision To Join Inter Milan From Man City: “Easy Choice” | OneFootball

Manuel Akanji joined Inter Milan from Manchester City on a season-long loan on the final day of the summer transfer window.

Speaking to Inter.it, the Swiss center-back explained his decision to sign for the Nerazzurri.

Inter allowed the unsettled Benjamin Pavard to return to France and link up with Marseille in the final hours of the transfer window.

Therefore, they had to return to the market to fill the void, with little time left on the clock.

Manuel Akanji emerged as a presentable market opportunity, and the Serie A heavyweights refused to pass on it.

Indeed, they quickly agreed terms with Man City to land the 30-year-old on loan with an option to buy.

However, the clause will become mandatory should Cristian Chivu’s charges lift the Serie A title.

Furthermore, Akanji must feature in 50% of Inter’s league games to trigger the obligatory purchase.

Manuel Akanji Reveals Why He Joined Inter Milan from Man City

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 11: Manuel Akanji of Manchester City sits on the bench during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Salford City at Etihad Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Akanji faced Inter in the 2023 Champions League final as Pep Guardiola’s side snatched a narrow 1-0 win.

However, there’s no lack of respect for the San Siro powerhouse.

“For me, Inter is one of the biggest clubs in Italy, and in the world, as they’ve proven in the past few years,” he stated. “It was an easy choice to come here.”

Asked what his preferred position is, Akanji replied: “I can play in any position across a back three, and I have also played in the centre for Switzerland.

“I can play in different positions, but obviously it is the manager’s choice as to where I play.”

Moreover, he brings a wealth of experience and hopes to help Inter reach another Champions League final.

“Inter have shown that they can reach important finals,” he added. “I hope we will be able to reach a final again, and win it this time.

“We already met in a final, two years ago, and this time I hope that Inter wins.

“It will be different from the Premier League, and the Bundesliga was different.

“I have watched many Serie A games, I know the teams in the league.

“I really like this league, it’s another reason why I’m here.

“And I cannot wait to meet the manager, and to learn the way that we play: I cannot wait.”

Akanji also explained his relationship with Yann Sommer.

“He sent me a message today, but I also received lots of messages from my friends and family.

“Yann offered to help me in my first days here, I can’t wait to meet with him again.”

Finally, he sent a message to Inter fans.

“I cannot wait to meet the Inter fans at San Siro, in the first home game that we’ll have.