Manuel Akanji has revealed that the allure of Champions League football played a pivotal role in his decision to join Inter Milan. The Swiss international defender finalized a season-long loan move to the Nerazzurri from Manchester City, with Inter holding an option to make the deal permanent for a reported €15 million (£13 million).
Akanji's move to Inter came as a surprise to some, as he had been strongly linked with a transfer to Inter's cross-city rivals, AC Milan. However, the Rossoneri's failure to secure Champions League qualification last season seemingly tipped the scales in Inter's favor, leading Akanji to choose the blue and black half of Milan.
The 30-year-old defender elaborated on the factors that influenced his decision, emphasizing the importance of playing at the highest level of European football. "There were other options on the table," Akanji admitted. "It wasn't an easy decision for my agent to navigate, but I had a very clear idea of what I wanted. I wanted to continue competing at the top level of European football, and joining Inter allows me to do exactly that."
Adding a touch of nostalgia to his decision, Akanji revealed a childhood connection to Inter Milan. "Besides, the first jersey I ever owned was that of Christian Vieri, back when he was playing for the club. Inter had actually shown interest in signing me three years ago," he explained.
Akanji also mentioned a personal connection to the club through his sister's partner, a passionate Inter supporter. "Last but not least, my sister's boyfriend is a huge Inter fan. So, you could say I already had a few links with the club," Akanji added with a smile.
Prior to his move to Inter, Akanji had established himself as a reliable defender for Manchester City, joining the club in 2022. During his time with the Citizens, he made 85 appearances in the Premier League, contributing to 22 clean sheets in 75 league starts. He also demonstrated his defensive prowess by winning 67% of his tackles and 52% of his duels.
Akanji acknowledged that his departure from Manchester City was motivated by a desire for more consistent playing time. "There were six central defenders in the squad, and the manager [Pep Guardiola] was upfront about the challenges of securing regular playing time," Akanji explained. "It wasn't an ideal situation, but I was fully aware of the competition for places."
Akanji's arrival at Inter Milan bolsters their defensive options and provides valuable experience to the squad. His Champions League ambitions align perfectly with Inter's goals, making him a valuable asset as they compete on both domestic and European fronts. The Nerazzurri faithful will be hoping that Akanji can quickly integrate into the team and contribute to their pursuit of silverware.
The transfer also marks a new chapter in Akanji's career, as he seeks to establish himself as a key player for Inter Milan and further enhance his reputation as one of Europe's top defenders. With his determination, skill, and Champions League aspirations, Akanji is poised to make a significant impact at the San Siro.
