Inter Milan defender Manuel Akanji has once again underlined his pride in his Nigerian heritage, even though he represents Switzerland at international level.
Akanji, 30, joined the Nerazzurri from Manchester City in the summer on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy. Speaking to Inter TV about his first weeks in Milan, the centre-back revealed how his Nigerian roots remain central to his identity.
Born in Wiesendangen, Switzerland, to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father, Akanji carries a symbolic tattoo of an eagle — the emblem of Nigeria’s national team — on his left arm.
“This is the eagle, from the Nigerian national team, with the football under it. It’s something I carry with me,” he explained, as quoted by Football Italia.
“Obviously, I play for the Swiss national team, but I’m still really proud of being Nigerian. I could only make one decision, but they are still with me all the way. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back to Nigeria. When I was young, I went there three or four times, but these days it’s difficult with my schedule.”
Akanji also reflected on his first experience at San Siro, when he faced Inter as a Borussia Dortmund player.
“I remember the atmosphere was unbelievable. I can’t wait to play there again. Hopefully, we’ll get a good result together,” he said.
He recalled that his first football shirt as a child was from Italian legend Christian Vieri, which fostered his early admiration for Inter.
“Even if I wasn’t an Inter fan, I always followed Inter because they’ve been one of the best teams in Italy, if not the best, even in the last two years. I’ve always been following the team,” Akanji said.
Now settled in Milan, the defender has quickly established himself as a regular starter, making five appearances across all competitions. Inter have made a strong start in the Champions League with two wins out of two, though they have collected just nine points from their first five Serie A matches.
Akanji says his goal is simple: “I hope to win as many titles as possible and be a big part of it. I want to play everywhere I go and improve as a player and as a person; these are the most important things for me.”