Akanji wants Inter stay after loving life under Chivu

Manuel Akanji is keen to extend his time at Inter after loving his first season working under Cristian Chivu.

Akanji spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Inter from Manchester City, and helped them to a domestic double.

The Switzerland international, who is on duty at the World Cup, made 45 appearances in all competitions, starting 40 games.

He played a part in 18 clean sheets, with only Yann Sommer (20) featuring in more shut-outs for Inter. Akanji led the Nerazzurri’s squad for interceptions (47), clearances (139) and headed clearances (76).

Akanji’s loan move included an option to make the deal permanent, and he is keen to keep on playing under Chivu, who has signed a contract extension through to 2028.

He told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Inter is a great school, a university that helps you grow in various aspects. I am very grateful to those who wanted me here, and I am happy to stay and win more with this coach.

“I hadn’t often experienced playing in a back three at club level; it had only happened with the national team. But at Inter, I had to get to know the position much better and work with new team-mates.

“Now I think differently in various game situations. If we were to switch to a back five in the future, I would know exactly what to do.

“Chivu understands players very well because he himself was a top-level footballer and experienced the same situations we are going through now.

“Furthermore, he has won many trophies with Inter and knows exactly what the club needs. He is also a very communicative and empathetic coach: he often talks to us players and, importantly, he is willing to listen to us. This is precisely what creates an excellent relationship with all of us.”