Manuel Akanji signed for Inter on a season-long loan from Manchester City with an option to buy for €15m. Champions League football was a key factor in his decision after interest from other clubs, including AC Milan. Personal ties to Inter include his first shirt being Christian Vieri's and a family connection through his sister's boyfriend. Akanji joined Manchester City in 2022 and made 85 Premier League appearances, with 75 league starts, 22 clean sheets, a 67% tackle success rate and 52% duel success. Limited game time at City, amid six central defenders, prompted the move.
It wasn't easy for my agent, but I had clear ideas. I wanted to continue playing at the top level of European football, and with Inter I will certainly be doing that.
Besides, the first jersey I ever owned was that of Christian Vieri, when he was playing for the club. Inter had already tried to sign me three years ago.
Last, but not least, my sister's boyfriend is a big Inter supporter. So yes, I already had a few links with the club.
There were six central defenders in the squad, he [Pep Guardiola] openly told us it would not be easy for anyone to have regular playing time," Akanji added. "And that was the case. It was not an ideal situation, but I was well aware of the competition for places.
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