Manuel Akanji said a January return to Manchester City was never on the cards ahead of Inter's meeting with Arsenal, who he does not believe are Europe's best team.
Akanji helped City win the Champions League for the first time in 2022-23, overcoming Inter in the final in Istanbul, before joining the Nerazzurri on loan last September.
The Switzerland international has made 25 appearances for Cristian Chivu's side since his arrival, with no other player being used more often by the Inter boss (level with Nicolo Barella, Lautaro Martinez and Petar Sucic).
However, there were suggestions he could return to his parent club this month, due to an injury crisis depriving them of centre-backs Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and John Stones.
City clinched a reported £20m deal for England's Marc Guehi on Monday, though, leading Akanji to say he was always staying put at San Siro.
Akanji said: "No, there was no possibility of me returning to City.
"What happens at the end of the season isn't only up to me, but I'm very happy here, and I hope it can continue. We'll see what happens."
On Tuesday, Akanji will go up against his old Premier League rivals Arsenal, having helped City pip the Gunners to the title in back-to-back seasons in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
Mikel Arteta's team boast the only perfect record in this season's Champions League and are the Opta supercomputer's favourites to win the competition, doing so in 26% of simulations compared to Inter's 4%.
While Akanji respects the Premier League leaders, he does not agree that they are the best team on the continent, saying: "I think Arsenal are among the best teams in Europe.
"For me, they're not the very best, but they are certainly among the top sides, so it will be a great challenge, but we are ready.
"I don't watch much football because I have three children at home, but that said, they have a very deep squad with a lot of quality, and they've shown consistency, which is crucial if you want to compete on multiple fronts."
jayaeortz
0
shut up Akanji
Cherifou
0
akandji is still dreaming and is still thinking that is Arsenal which he know 2023/4/5 he must know that this is Different Arsenal team new players new Arsenal.he must know this in he's Heard.lets see what he said if it will work in hope it can go again he words.lets wait the game just few hours left then we will be in
we have been different Arsenal every year my friend
vesdknrt
0
wait I know Gabi will go for him after the game when Arsenal win.to go tell him that Akandji this's not Arsenal you knew before this is Different Arsenal new Arsenal.you supposed not to said that on the Media.today your the loser and we won you.if Arsenal is not the best why we won you.wait you will see what Arsenal will do ti them.is what Aplayer from Madrid said when Arsenal went to Madrid and they endup defeated by Arsenal.he must be careful with his words couse the Media dont forget they will return back to him.
vesdknrt
0
akandji is still dreaming and is still thinking that is Arsenal which he know 2023/4/5 he must know that this is Different Arsenal team new players new Arsenal.he must know this in he's Heard.lets see what he said if it will work in hope it can go again he words.lets wait the game just few hours left then we will be in
truthisbitter
1
Pep should have recalled him instead of those English rookies as defenders!
wedilopz
0
That is the truth for Arsenal and all Arsenal fans to know and understand. Akanji knows better and far better than the arguing Arsenal fans and Akanji said the truth, stated the facts and Arsenal is far from being the best team in the World....look at it: In 1. Conference League.....Chelsea is the holder 2. Europa League ...........Tottenham is holder 3. UCL ................. PSG is the UCL holder 4. Club World Cup .......... Chelsea is the holder 5. Super Cup .................. PSG is the holder 6. EPL ............................ Liverpool is the holder So what is Arsenal best in.
so by your narrative the best team is the defending champion. so would you say Liverpool is the best team in England?? 🤣😅😅
Vaecimprst
0
That is the truth for Arsenal and all Arsenal fans to know and understand. Akanji knows better and far better than the arguing Arsenal fans and Akanji said the truth, stated the facts and Arsenal is far from being the best team in the World....look at it: In 1. Conference League.....Chelsea is the holder 2. Europa League ...........Tottenham is holder 3. UCL ................. PSG is the UCL holder 4. Club World Cup .......... Chelsea is the holder 5. Super Cup .................. PSG is the holder 6. EPL ............................ Liverpool is the holder So what is Arsenal best in.
You're not making sense so stfu
vuaabdipu
1
Akanji is finding form with Inter Milan He's playing regularly His team is winning a lot, and they are 1st in the table in the Serie A, and they are doing well also in the UCL So I can say that Akanji was right to leave Man City
Zueelmpr
0
down akanji get ready for your idiot accusations, like it or not arsenals the best team far much better than mancity and tooth less intermilan
This is not accusation bruff, right opinion, Arsenal just need to win something tangible this season which I bliv
Yawoozo
0
True talk of the defender.. .. hopefully we become the very best after wining trophies this season
Naokmptuz
2
That is the truth for Arsenal and all Arsenal fans to know and understand. Akanji knows better and far better than the arguing Arsenal fans and Akanji said the truth, stated the facts and Arsenal is far from being the best team in the World....look at it: In 1. Conference League.....Chelsea is the holder 2. Europa League ...........Tottenham is holder 3. UCL ................. PSG is the UCL holder 4. Club World Cup .......... Chelsea is the holder 5. Super Cup .................. PSG is the holder 6. EPL ............................ Liverpool is the holder So what is Arsenal best in.
Naokmptuz
0
down akanji get ready for your idiot accusations, like it or not arsenals the best team far much better than mancity and tooth less intermilan
be talking nonsense and you know it. Akanji knows better and far better than you and Akanji said the truth, stated the facts and Arsenal is far from being the best team in the World....look at it: In 1. Conference League.....Chelsea is the holder 2. Europa League ...........Tottenham is holder 3. UCL ................. PSG is the UCL holder 4. Club World Cup .......... Chelsea is the holder 5. Super Cup .................. PSG is the holder 6. EPL ............................ Liverpool is the holder So what is Arsenal best in.
dewbcmpst
2
well said,, just arsenal is on top form but not the best
LegendaryCollins
0
down akanji get ready for your idiot accusations, like it or not arsenals the best team far much better than mancity and tooth less intermilan
He's right... Arsenal are not the best team but among the best team.
cidbdilrtz
2
down akanji get ready for your idiot accusations, like it or not arsenals the best team far much better than mancity and tooth less intermilan
moweimtuy
2
bad belle