Manchester City loanee Manuel Akanji admits Inter Milan tried to bring him to San Siro three years ago.
During his latest interview via FCInterNews, the Swiss center-back opened up on Inter’s interest in the summer of 2022.
Manuel Akanji has joined Inter on a season-long loan with an option to buy set at €15 million.
Furthermore, the Nerazzurri paid Man City a €1 million loan fee.
Meanwhile, they have offloaded Benjamin Pavard, who has joined Marseille in a similar deal.
Despite being one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted allies, Akanji tumbled down the pecking order last season.
Indeed, a long-term injury derailed his first-team status at the Etihad Stadium.
As a result, the Cityzens put him up for sale this summer.
Before completing a transfer to Inter, Akanji had AC Milan’s offer on the table.
However, the 30-year-old declined the move as the Rossoneri couldn’t offer him Champions League football.
Manuel Akanji Reveals Inter Milan Wanted to Sign Him Three Years Ago
Manuel Akanji Man City
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 26: Manuel Akanji #25 of Manchester City during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Manchester City FC at Camping World Stadium on June 26, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Akanji swapped Borussia Dortmund for Man City in 2022.
Indeed, the former Premier League champions pipped the Italian heavyweights to the defender’s signature.
Inter also tried to lure him away from Signal Iduna Park. Yet, Akanji chose Manchester.
“There were other options,” Akanji stated. “It wasn’t easy for my agent, but I had a clear idea.
“I wanted to keep playing at the highest European level, and with Inter I’ve definitely managed to do that.
“My first football shirt was Christian Vieri’s, back when he played in Nerazzurro.
“Inter had already tried to sign me three years ago… And not least, my sister’s boyfriend is a big Inter fan.
“So yes, I already have several ties to the club.”
Then, he spoke about Guardiola’s trust in him.
“We were six centre-backs. He openly told us it wouldn’t be easy for anyone to have a guaranteed spot.
“And that’s how it turned out. In the end, it wasn’t an ideal situation, but I was aware of the competition.”
Finally, he discussed the prospect of playing at San Siro.
“I played there once with Dortmund, and the atmosphere was incredible. I can’t wait to meet everyone at Inter.
“But right now, my focus is on the national team.”