Akanji explains odd reasons he preferred Inter to Milan from Manchester City | OneFootball

Manuel Akanji reveals a curious set of reasons why he ultimately preferred Inter to their Serie A rivals Milan when leaving Manchester City. ‘There were other options, but I had clear ideas.’

The defender made the transfer on deadline day, completing a loan for €1m with option to buy at the end of the season for a further €15m.

In the days before that, he had been heavily linked with a move to the other side of San Siro for AC Milan, but it wasn’t just the lack of Champions League football that steered him towards their rivals.

Akanji snubbed AC Milan for rivals Inter

Manuel Akanji’s first interview as an Inter player.

“There were other options,” confessed the Switzerland international in a press conference for the World Cup qualifiers.

“It wasn’t easy for my agent, but I had clear ideas. I wanted to continue playing at the top level of European football, and with Inter I will certainly be doing that.

“Besides, the first jersey I ever owned was that of Christian Vieri, when he was playing for the club. Inter had already tried to sign me three years ago… Last, but not least, my sister’s boyfriend is a big Inter supporter. So yes, I already had a few links with the club.”

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 26: Manuel Akanji #25 of Manchester City during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Manchester City FC at Camping World Stadium on June 26, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Akanji does not see his departure from Manchester City as a failure, nor as a lack of support from Pep Guardiola.

“There were six central defenders in the squad, he openly told us it would not be easy for anyone to have regular playing time. And that was the case. It was not an ideal situation, but I was well aware of the competition for places.”

Because it was so last minute, Akanji has not yet had time to get to know his new teammates, but he does already have an idea of what awaits him in his first home match.

“I played at San Siro once with Borussia Dortmund and the atmosphere was incredible. I can’t wait to meet everyone at Inter.”