Manuel Akanji has confirmed that he could have joined AC Milan in the summer, but opted to join their rivals Inter instead.
In the summer both Milanese clubs were chasing a centre-back and both went in for Akanji. Milan were the first to make their interest known, but the Swiss apparently rejected the chance to join the Rossoneri because he wanted Champions League football.
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While Igli Tare and co. were tying up a deal for 19-year-old Wolfsburg centre-back David Odogu, Inter landed Akanji on loan with an option to buy. He has become a key part of the rearguard with the Nerazzurri, who are very close to winning the league title.
Akanji gave an interview to SportMediaset in which he was asked about the possibility that he could have been playing for the other side of the city. MilanNews relayed his response.
“I spoke to Milan in the summer, but I thought Inter was a more suitable destination for me. I’d say the choice worked out. My agent negotiated with the club, and it went well,” he said.
The 30-year-old has already played over 40 games for Inter across all competitions, scoring a couple of goals. However, he is yet to celebrate anything in the derby, with Milan winning both this season.