Akanji hopes for new Inter Final: ‘The best club in Italy’ | OneFootball

Manuel Akanji hopes his new club Inter will reach another Final: ‘For me, it’s the biggest club in Italy.’

The Swiss defender spoke to Inter’s official YouTube channel after completing an initial loan move from Manchester City on deadline day.

Akanji breaks silence after Inter move from Manchester City

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 05: Manuel Akanji of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Fulham FC at Etihad Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

“For me, it’s the biggest club in Italy, one of the best in the world as they’ve proved over the last few years. It was easy for me to choose this club,” Akanji said.

The experienced centre-back is quite versatile as he can cover multiple positions at the back.

“I’m capable of playing all positions in a three-man defence,” he confirmed.

“I’ve played with Switzerland in the middle once before. I like to play in different positions, and I try my best wherever the manager sees me.”

Inter reached two Champions League Finals in the last three seasons, but lost to Manchester City and PSG.

Akanji was part of the Manchester City squad when the Nerazzurri missed their chance to lift the cup with the big ears in Istanbul in 2023.

Akanji hopes Inter will reach another Final

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 18: Manuel Akanji #25 of Manchester City walks onto the pitch during warm ups prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Manchester City FC and Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 18, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“Inter is capable of going to the Finals. I hope we can go to the Final again and win it this time,” Akanji said.

“I’ve been there before, when we played against each other three years ago, or two, so hopefully this time it can go Inter’s way, and hopefully I can be part of it as well.”

A former defender for Basel and Borussia Dortmund, Akanji has played in several European leagues. What does he expect from Serie A?

“Obviously, it’s going to be different from the Premier League. The Bundesliga was already different from the Premier League,” he replied.

“I don’t know how it is as a player, but obviously, I watch many games and I like it a lot. That’s why we found each other. Can’t wait. Also, with the new manager, I can’t wait to meet him, know the way we are going to play, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Akanji will reunite with his Swiss compatriot Yann Sommer at San Siro.

“He texted me before saying that if I need any help or stuff like that,” Akanji concluded.

“He’s really happy that we’re here. We will definitely be in touch. Looking forward to seeing him as well.”

Inter were the sixth-highest spenders in Serie A during the 2025 summer transfer window, below Milan, Juventus, Atalanta, Napoli and Como.