Manuel Akanji has revealed the message Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gave him ahead of his season-long loan move to Inter Milan. The 30-year-old Swiss defender left the Etihad Stadium for northern Italy after agreeing to the transfer late in the window.
Akanji had been a regular at City since his 2022 arrival from Borussia Dortmund, winning seven trophies in three years, including playing a key role in the club’s Treble-winning 2023 season. Despite making 40 appearances last term, Akanji was told the competition for places this season would be fierce.
Speaking at a Switzerland press conference while on international duty, Akanji said of Guardiola: “He made it clear to us six central defenders that two would play and two would be on the bench. And that it would be difficult for the rest. That wasn’t nice to hear, because I always expect to be on the pitch.”
Asked why he had been moved down the pecking order, Akanji responded: “You’ll have to ask him.”
Reflecting on his sudden departure, Akanji admitted the change has been difficult for him and his family, who had settled well in Manchester. “It’s still difficult to realise right now that I’m suddenly no longer part of the City family, although I still feel like I am somehow. Also because I didn’t meet any of my new team-mates in Milan on Monday, as everything happened so quickly and there was no training. My family and I have felt very comfortable in Manchester, and we will definitely miss life there,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Akanji expressed excitement about his new environment: “I’m very happy it worked out. I like Inter very much.” His contract with Manchester City runs until 2027, and Inter’s loan includes a £13million purchase option that could become an obligation in 2026.
Akanji did not rule out a future return to City, stating: “The fact is: I’m on loan at Inter, so theoretically a return to Manchester is possible.”
