Manchester City defender, currently on loan at Inter Milan, has revealed the significant of his strong connection to his Nigerian heritage.
The 30-year-old, who represents Switzerland internationally, spoke in an interview with Inter TV about how his Nigerian background remains an important part of his identity despite his decision to play for Swiss national team.
“This is the eagle, from the Nigerian national team, with the football under it. It’s something I carry with me”, Akanji said, pointing to the tattoo on his left arm.
“Obviously, I play for Swiss national team, but I’m still really proud being a Nigerian. I could only make one decision, but they are still with me all the way”.
Akanji was born in Switzerland to a Nigerian father and a Swiss mother.
He started his career with FC Basel in Switzerland in 2015, where he won two consecutive league titles in 2015-2016 and 2016-2017, before moving to Dortmund in 2018.
At Dortmund, he won the 2019 DF-Super Cup and the 2022, leading the club to a historic treble in his first season and Premier League title in 2023-2024 season.
Akanji made his debut for Switzerland in a 2:0 win against Faroe Islands in 2018 World Cup qualifying match, where he played the entire 90 minutes in June 2017.
