Manuel Akanji: 'I am no longer a Manchester United fan'

Manuel Akanji has admitted that he is "no longer" a Manchester United supporter following his summer transfer to rivals Manchester City.

The 27-year-old moved to the Etihad Stadium from Borussia Dortmund on deadline day for a fee rising to around £16.7m, and he has put pen to paper on a five-year contract.

Akanji spent four years in the Bundesliga and made a total of 158 appearances for BVB, but he revealed shortly after his arrival in Germany back in 2018 that he had dreams to play for Man United in the future.

Speaking to NZZ, Akanji said: "I have a big dream, to get as far as possible in football.

"Since my childhood days, Manchester United have been my favourite club. I'd like to play there one day but right now that's not an issue."

However, the Switzerland international has since clarified the meaning behind his previous comments and insists that he can "no longer" support the Red Devils.

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"I said I was a Manchester United fan growing up, but that when you reach a certain level as a player, you're no longer a fan, because you play against such clubs and you don't support this club like you did," Akanji told Blick Sport.

"I was then also asked what my goal was. I said I would eventually play for the best club in the world. From this, it was concluded I considered Manchester United to be the best club in the world and I really wanted to play [for them] one day, which I never said..."

The defender added: "When I came to FC Basel, I played in the Champions League and against Manchester United. When the idols became rivals, I got to a point where I stopped being a fan and wanted to do my own job well enough to beat teams like Manchester United.

"[I am looking forward] to the Manchester derby [the most]. Beating Man United in your own city would be great."

Akanji, who made his Man City debut in the 4-0 Champions League win over Sevilla last week, is now excited by the opportunity to play for the Premier League champions and to work under Pep Guardiola.

Speaking after his arrival at the club earlier this month, Akanji told mancity.com: "I am delighted to be here, and can't wait to get started. City have been one of the best teams in Europe over the last few seasons.

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"They are brilliant to watch, play an exciting brand of football and compete for trophies year in, year out, so coming here feels like the perfect next step in my career.

"Pep Guardiola is an exceptional manager, and this is an exceptional squad of players, so this is an exciting opportunity for me. I am really looking forward to testing myself in the Premier League and I will do everything I can to help this club be successful."

Akanji will be in contention to make his home debut for the Citizens in Wednesday's Champions League clash against his former club Dortmund, while striker Erling Braut Haaland – who has scored 12 goals in eight games since joining from BVB over the summer – is also set to face his former team.

Guardiola has provided a positive update on the fitness of defenders John Stones and Aymeric Laporte ahead of their Group G fixture, although Kyle Walker remains sidelined with a muscle injury.