When Manuel Akanji made his last-minute move from Manchester City to Inter Milan, fans were left wondering: what led him to snub their city rivals, AC Milan? The Swiss defender recently opened up about his intriguing decision during a press conference.

Intriguing Choices Behind His Move

Akanji's loan deal, which cost Inter €1 million with an option to buy for an additional €15 million, came amidst heavy speculation linking him to AC Milan. While many expected him to join the Rossoneri, it was not just the lack of Champions League football that influenced his choice.

"There were other options," Akanji admitted, revealing the complexities involved in his decision-making process. "I had clear ideas—my goal was to continue competing at the top level of European football, and Inter provides that opportunity."

A Personal Connection to Inter

What made his choice even more compelling? Akanji shared that his very first football jersey was from Inter legend Christian Vieri. This emotional connection combined with the fact that Inter attempted to sign him three years ago played a significant role in his decision. Additionally, his sister’s boyfriend is a die-hard Inter fan, adding another layer of personal ties.

No Regrets Leaving Manchester City

As for leaving Manchester City, Akanji reframed it as a decision driven by competitive dynamics rather than a failure on his part. With six central defenders in the squad, he acknowledged that finding regular playing time would be challenging. "I was aware of the competition for places," he explained.

Anticipating the Atmosphere at San Siro

Even though his transfer was last-minute, making it tough to connect with his new teammates, Akanji is excited about what lies ahead. Reflecting on his previous experience at the iconic San Siro while playing for Borussia Dortmund, he noted, "The atmosphere was incredible. I can't wait to meet everyone at Inter!"

As Akanji gears up to don the blue and black, fans are eager to see how this fresh chapter unfolds for him at Inter Milan.