“I hope I don’t lose my titles” – Player provides insight into what Manchester City stars have been told

Manuel Akanki has admitted he is hoping that the Premier League don’t strip him of the titles he won at Manchester City.

The centre-back, now at Inter Milan, is one of many players watching nervously following Manchester City’s guilty verdict during the international break.

The Premier League have found them guilty of all 115 charges, accusing the club of sham financial arrangements to boost their growth over an extended period.

Manchester City are appealing the decision, but in the meantime, focus is on potential sanctions.

While they are likely to face financial deductions and points deductions, some are also calling for them to be stripped of various titles and trophies won during the alleged period.

How Akanji sees the situation

Manuel Akanji won two Premier League titles, a Champions League and various other trophies during his time at the Etihad. And now he admits he’s worried they will be taken away.

“I’m still in touch with a few players, but I don’t know any more than you do,” he told Nau.

“We were told to stay calm, that they had everything under control and nothing major had happened. I trust the people in charge at Man City that that’s the case.

“I hope I don’t lose my titles. That would be a bit of a shame. But I’m only seeing it all in the news, too.”

Extra concern

The defender would, theoretically, not be in the firing line though. The guilty period concerns 2009 to 2018, a time when he wasn’t’ even with Manchester City.

He only joined Manchester City in 2022, meaning his titles should not be at risk. Some, though, believe that even subsequent titles won by City will be brought into the punishment debate.

The fact he shouldn’t be in danger was put to the defender, but he was cryptic about the prospect.

“Who knows what else they might dig up,” he added.

“After all, you’re still looking for things related to the coronavirus that happened five years ago.”

The last comment appeared to be a a dig at the Swiss media. Akanji’s national teammate Granit Xhaka had to sit out this international break after he admitted obtaining a false Covid vaccination certificate.