Manuel Akanji has openly shared his deep connection to his Nigerian heritage, revealing that despite committing his international career to Switzerland, he continues to honor his father’s homeland, according to Soccernet.ng.
The 30-year-old centre-back, currently on loan at Inter Milan from Manchester City, expressed pride in his multicultural background during an extensive conversation with Inter TV.
Born in Wiesendangen to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father, Akanji maintains a strong emotional link to Nigeria, even though he opted to represent Switzerland internationally in 2017 after progressing through youth systems at Winterthur, Basel, and Borussia Dortmund.
“This tattoo shows an eagle clutching a football, symbolizing the Nigerian national team. It’s something I carry with me always,” he shared, pointing to the ink on his left arm.
“While I represent Switzerland on the pitch, my pride in my Nigerian roots remains strong. I had to make a choice, but Nigeria is always part of me.”
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The eagle emblem, a tribute to Nigeria’s Super Eagles, is more than just a tattoo; it represents a lifelong bond forged through childhood visits to Nigeria, where Akanji spent cherished moments with his family before his professional commitments limited travel opportunities.
“It’s been quite a while since I last visited Nigeria,” he admitted.
“Returning is difficult because I don’t get a winter break, and the summer season is often rainy, so it’s unpredictable. But when I was younger, I managed to go there three or four times.”
Although his international allegiance was decided years ago, Akanji emphasizes that this choice has never diminished his cultural identity.
Having earned over 70 caps for Switzerland, he is recognized as one of Europe’s most dependable defenders, combining composure on the ball with sharp tactical awareness.
Now acclimating to life at San Siro, Akanji has quickly become a key figure for Inter Milan. He has featured in five matches across Serie A and the Champions League, contributing to Simone Inzaghi’s squad as they strive to sustain their strong European campaign despite inconsistent domestic results.
With Inter remaining undefeated in European competition this season, Akanji’s seasoned presence will be vital as the team aims to regain momentum in Serie A.