New Inter star Akanji reveals why he left Manchester City in deadline day loan

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Sam Wilson | Last updated Sep 6, 2025 9:47 AM ET

It has been an intense week for Swiss defender Manuel Akanji.

On Monday, the 30-year-old completed a deadline day move to Serie A side Inter from Manchester City, with an initial loan and €15 million option to buy, that could become an obligation if the Nerazzurri lift the Scudetto.

Last night, the defender scored with his national side as Switzerland cruised to an impressive 4-0 win over Kosovo.

Speaking whilst on international duty, with quotes via The Mirror , Akanji revealed that he was convinced to depart Manchester after head coach Pep Guardiola “made it clear to us six centre-backs that two would play and two would be on the bench.”

Akanji said “that wasn’t nice to hear because I always expect to be on the pitch.”

Akanji: ‘I like Inter very much’

However, the Swiss international seems determined to turn over a new leaf in his stay in Lombardy, saying that “I’m very happy it worked out. I like Inter very much.”

He did not close the door on a future return to City, although it seems unlikely if the loan spell goes well given the relatively low buy-option, “The fact is: I’m on loan at Inter, so theoretically a return to Manchester is possible. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to say goodbye to City yet but I definitely want to do that with a team meal, which isn’t easy to schedule. It’s important that I get to say goodbye and can start again.”

Akanji was the Nerazzurri’s eldest signing of the summer and represents some much needed talent and expertise in defence.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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