In a stunning turn of events, Manchester City’s treble-winning defender Manuel Akanji has revealed the harsh words from manager Pep Guardiola that led to his unexpected departure from the Etihad Stadium. The 30-year-old Swiss international, a key figure in City’s 2023 Champions League triumph, secured a season-long loan move to Inter Milan on the final day of the summer transfer window in 2025. Speaking at a press conference while on international duty with Switzerland, Akanji disclosed the candid message from Guardiola that reshaped his career trajectory, leaving fans and pundits reeling at the abrupt end to his tenure with the Premier League giants.
Akanji, who joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for £15 million, had been a cornerstone of their defense, amassing seven trophies in three years, including the historic 2023 treble. With 40 appearances last season, his reliability and versatility made him a mainstay under Guardiola. However, the manager’s preference for a leaner squad in the 2025-26 campaign shifted the dynamics at City. Akanji recounted Guardiola’s blunt directive to the team’s six central defenders: “He made it clear to us six central defenders that two would play and two would be on the bench. And that it would be difficult for the rest.” This stark announcement left Akanji, who had started regularly, grappling with a sudden fall down the pecking order behind Ruben Dias, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake, and rising star Abdukodir Khusanov.
The revelation came as a shock to Akanji, who admitted, “That wasn’t nice to hear, because I always expect to be on the pitch.” When pressed on why Guardiola had sidelined him, he responded curtly, “You’ll have to ask him.” The decision, coupled with City’s strategic squad trimming, culminated in Akanji’s deadline-day loan to Inter Milan, a move valued at €2 million (£1.7 million) with a €15 million purchase option that becomes mandatory if Akanji plays in 50% of Inter’s matches or if the Nerazzurri clinch the Serie A title. The transfer marked a bittersweet departure for Akanji, who had settled into life in Manchester with his family. “It’s still difficult to realise right now that I’m suddenly no longer part of the City family, although I still feel like I am somehow,” he said, reflecting on the whirlwind move. “My family and I have felt very comfortable in Manchester, and we will definitely miss life there.”
Akanji’s exit wasn’t without precedent, as Guardiola’s philosophy of maintaining a compact squad has led to other high-profile departures, including Ilkay Gundogan’s move to Galatasaray. The Spanish tactician, renowned for his relentless pursuit of perfection, has often emphasized the challenges of keeping a large squad content, a stance that shaped his decision to streamline City’s roster. Akanji’s move to Inter, under the guidance of former defender Cristian Chivu, offers a fresh start. “I’m very happy it worked out. I like Inter very much,” Akanji said, expressing optimism about his new chapter, despite not yet meeting his teammates due to the transfer’s rapid pace.
The move has sparked debate among City supporters, who view Akanji’s departure as a loss of depth in a squad already grappling with injuries to key players like Rodri and Phil Foden. His experience and composure, honed during City’s trophy-laden years, made him a fan favorite. Yet, Akanji’s excitement for Inter, coupled with the potential for a permanent transfer, suggests a new opportunity to shine in Serie A. “The fact is: I’m on loan at Inter, so theoretically a return to Manchester is possible,” he noted, though he acknowledged the challenge of organizing a proper farewell with his former teammates due to scheduling conflicts.
As Manchester City navigate a transitional 2025-26 season under scrutiny for 115 Financial Fair Play charges, Akanji’s departure underscores the ruthless decision-making that has defined Guardiola’s tenure. For Akanji, the move to Inter represents a chance to reclaim his place among Europe’s elite defenders. With his trademark resilience and Inter’s ambitious project, the Swiss star is poised to make an impact in Italy, leaving City fans to ponder what might have been had Guardiola’s brutal message not altered his path.
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