‘I’m really proud of being Nigerian’ – Manuel Akanji embraces heritage as he settles at Inter

Inter Milan defender Manuel Akanji says he takes immense pride in his Nigerian roots, a part of his identity he continues to carry with him even as he represents Switzerland on the international stage.

The 30-year-old, who arrived at Inter on loan from Manchester City in the summer with an obligation to buy, was born in Wiesendangen, Switzerland, to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father.

Akanji has always maintained a strong connection to his paternal heritage, symbolised by an eagle tattoo etched on his left arm — a nod to Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

“This is the eagle, from the Nigerian national team, with the football under it. It’s something I carry with me,” Akanji told Inter TV.

“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.”

Though professional demands have limited his visits, Akanji recalled spending parts of his childhood in Nigeria.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been back. I don’t get a break in the winter, and in summer it’s the rainy season, so you never really know. But when I was young, I went there three or four times,” he said.

His bond with football also stretches back to his childhood, when the first shirt he owned belonged to Italian striker Christian Vieri at Inter.

“The first football shirt I had was from Christian Vieri. It was somehow with me. Even if I wasn’t an Inter fan, I always followed them because they’ve been one of the best teams in Italy.”

Now wearing the Nerazzurri colours himself, Akanji has wasted no time in establishing his presence at San Siro.

He has already featured in five matches across competitions, strengthening Inter’s defensive setup.

The Swiss-Nigerian defender previously played at San Siro with Borussia Dortmund and described the stadium atmosphere as “unbelievable,” adding he now looks forward to creating special memories as an Inter player.

“You never really know where you end up in your career,” Akanji reflected. “Now I am here and I’m really happy about it.

“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.”