Akanji: "The principle of performance no longer counted"
Former Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji spoke with 'Blick' about his summer move to Manchester City.
After much deliberation, Manuel Akanji completed his €17.5 million Manchester City transfer to end the summer window, making the switch with teammate Erling Haaland. The center-back was immediately thrusted into the team last week and recently spoke with 'Blick' about his long-awaited move:
"Man City has incredible quality that challenges you every day. But that's what I was looking for as the next step after Dortmund. I want to get better every day under Pep Guardiola."
While healthy, Akanji was not even included in BVB's squad for their first several games this year: "The principle of performance no longer counted. I sat in the stands, no matter how well I trained."
The 27-year-old also stated that, "There wasn't even an initial written offer. No negotiations. Nothing. Because BVB knew from the start that it wasn't a question of money. I wanted a change. So things were being said about me that just weren't true."
After five years in Germany, Akanji has signed a contract until 2027 with the English champions.