Manuel Akanji has left Manchester City and joined Inter Milan, describing the move as an "easy choice."
The Swiss defender completed a season-long loan switch on deadline day, with the Italian side holding an option to buy that could turn mandatory if certain conditions are met.
The 30-year-old arrives at San Siro with plenty of experience. He won seven trophies in three years at City, including the club’s first-ever Champions League title.
But with Pep Guardiola reshaping his squad, Akanji was allowed to move on. Inter wasted no time bringing him in after Benjamin Pavard’s late departure to Marseille left a hole in their defense.
It means Akanji will now be part of Christian Chivu’s backline as Inter chase silverware again, just two years after falling short in the Champions League final against City.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
What Manuel Akanji said after joining Inter Milan?
Speaking to Inter’s official website, Akanji explained why the switch felt so natural:
“For me, Inter is one of the biggest clubs in Italy, and in the world, as they’ve proven in the past few years. It was an easy choice to come here.”
He added that he is looking forward to the atmosphere at the San Siro: “I cannot wait to meet the Inter fans at San Siro, in the first home game that we’ll have: I am waiting for that moment.”
The versatile center-back also made it clear he is ready to adapt to any role: “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.”
Akanji praised Inter’s recent consistency in Europe and set his sights on another final: “Inter have shown that they can reach important finals, I hope we will be able to reach a final again, and win it this time.”
For City, losing a reliable defender is never simple, but Akanji clearly wanted more game time. For Inter, this looks like solid business — a defender who has already proven he can handle the biggest stages.
Manchester City news and related links
- Man City star sidelined for two months in big Manchester derby blow
- Man City agree terms with Inter Milan over Manuel Akanji
- Man City reach full agreement to sign Gigio Donnarumma after Ederson exit