Inter Milan New Boy Reveals Reason For Man City Exit: ‘It’s Hard Realizing I’m Not There Anymore’ | OneFootball

Inter Milan new boy Manuel Akanji says that it’s “hard to realize” he’s no longer a Man City after his deadline day move.

The 30-year-old opened up about the whirlwind transfer to Swiss broadcaster SRF, via FCInterNews.

Inter Milan signed defender Manuel Akanji from Manchester City on deadline day.

The Nerazzurri also loaned defender Benjamin Pavard to Marseille in the final hours of the transfer window. Therefore, Akanji was the player they identified as a replacement for the Frenchman.

Akanji certainly arrives with the same kind of pedigree as Pavard.

The Swiss international has spent the last three years with Manchester City. He has won the Premier League title twice, and also helped the Cityzens to the Treble in his first season at the club.

Furthermore, Akanji had previously played in the Champions League for the likes of Basel and Borussia Dortmund.

New Inter Signing Manuel Akanji: “Hard To Realize I’m Not At Man City Anymore”

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 25: Manuel Akanji of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Manchester City FC at Craven Cottage on May 25, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

The whole process of Inter signing Akanji took less than a day. It had to be a rush, due to the fact that the transfer deadline was imminent.

“It’s still hard for me to realize that I’m not part of the City family any longer,” said Akanji.

“Especially because I didn’t meet any of my new Inter teammates when I was in Milan on Monday,” the Swiss international noted.

“It all happened so quickly.

Then, Akanji gave his thoughts on the reason for him leaving Manchester City.

“There were six centre-backs in the squad,” said the former Borussia Dortmund defender.

He admitted that Pep Guardiola “clearly told us that there was room for two of us to play, and two to be on the bench.”

“That wasn’t great to hear,” Akanji admitted.