Manuel Akanji Explains His Manchester City Departure Amid Intense Competition

Manuel Akanji shared why he left Manchester City for Inter Milan. He found it tough to get playing time in a team filled with defenders selected by manager Pep Guardiola.

WHY AKANJI LEFT MAN CITY

Akanji enjoyed three successful years with City, playing 136 times and winning big trophies. However, he eventually decided to move on. He explained that with City having six central defenders, Guardiola warned him that regular playtime would be hard. Akanji said that this situation was not pleasant, though it was something he anticipated when joining a top club. Seeking more playtime, the Swiss defender chose to join Inter Milan on loan at the last minute of the transfer window. According to a recent report, Inter have reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign Akanji on a season-long loan.

HOW BOTH CLUBS HAVE FARED THIS SEASON

Manchester City revamped their squad after finishing third behind Arsenal and Liverpool and losing in the Champions League against Real Madrid last-16 last season. Akanji didn’t play for City in the new season and was not selected for the opener. Meanwhile, Inter Milan started their Serie A season with mixed results, winning their opener but losing their second match and sit three points behind Cremonese, AS Roma, Napoli and Juventus. They see Akanji as an important addition after missing other transfer targets; as per reports, they submitted a loan offer to Manchester City for him.

WHAT COMES NEXT

Akanji joins an Inter side with big ambitions for the Serie A title and Champions League. His loan contract includes an option to make the switch permanent for €15 million at season’s end. Inter’s next game is against Juventus, who are three points ahead of them. Akanji is expected to compete for a starting spot, which he struggled to find in England.