Manuel Akanji has openly questioned Manchester City’s sense of loyalty after revealing why he chose to leave Pep Guardiola’s squad for Inter Milan last summer.
Speaking to Swiss outlet SRF, the Switzerland international admitted he began exploring options after falling down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium, despite City carrying what he described as a surplus of centre-backs.
The 30 year old joined Inter on loan late in the summer window and has since become a regular starter under Cristian Chivu, featuring 28 times across competitions at Giuseppe Meazza.
Akanji explains Manchester City exit
Akanji said the situation at City prompted him to act.
“Manchester City suddenly had six fit centre-backs in the summer, but only two were available to play. When I then wasn’t playing at the start of the season, I started looking at my options with my agent.
Clubs often demand loyalty from their players, but they don’t always offer it themselves. Therefore, as a player, you sometimes have to make selfish decisions that aren’t always understood from the outside.”
— Manuel Akanji, via SRF
The defender suggested there was no personal fallout with Guardiola, but his comments underline a broader frustration with squad management and competition for places.
Akanji joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and was part of the squad that secured major domestic and European honours. However, the arrival and return of multiple defenders in the 2025 summer window reduced his early-season minutes.
Family decision central to Inter loan
Beyond football, Akanji revealed that family considerations heavily influenced his decision to move to Italy.
“My wife and children are central. It was stressful at first because everything happened at the last minute. Luckily, we had discussed everything thoroughly beforehand.
None of this would be possible without my wife. And her daily life is more stressful than mine, especially mentally.”
— Manuel Akanji, via SRF
He admitted the transition was more demanding than his move to England because of his growing family responsibilities. When he left Germany for Manchester, he had one child. He now has three.
Akanji said he has settled in Italy after initial adjustments and insisted his current focus remains solely on Inter.
Akanji’s contract situation raises summer questions
Although playing regularly in Serie A, Akanji remains contracted to Manchester City until 30 June 2027. When asked whether that creates a loyalty dilemma, he dismissed the idea but acknowledged uncertainty.
“What will happen in the summer? Will I end up at another club?” he said. “But right now, my full focus is on Inter.”
His remarks leave the door open to a permanent exit should Inter or another club formalise interest at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
Key Insights
- Akanji questioned whether clubs show the same loyalty they demand from players
- He began exploring options after reduced minutes at Manchester City
- Family considerations played a decisive role in his move to Inter
- He remains under contract at City until June 2027
- His long-term future will likely be resolved in summer 2026
What’s Next
Akanji is expected to remain part of Inter’s regular defensive rotation through the remainder of the 2025/26 season. Discussions over a potential permanent transfer are likely to intensify once the campaign concludes in May 2026, particularly if his starting role continues. Any decision will involve Manchester City, given his contract status, and could depend on squad planning at the Etihad ahead of the next transfer window.
Will Akanji return to fight for his place at City, or is this the beginning of a permanent move away from Manchester?
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