There has been a frequent theme in recent years that consists of high-level footballers playing at top-level clubs coincidentally having supported their arch-rivals growing up.
For instance, former Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling is known to have grown up as a Manchester United supporter.
Similarly, Kevin De Bruyne has admitted to being a Liverpool fan as a child, citing Michael Owen - who won the Ballon d’Or in 2001 - as his footballing idol.
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While the idea of either player joining one of those two clubs would be sacrilege - considering their legendary spells at Manchester City - it is understandable that the duo ultimately had no idea that they would join the Sky Blues, which explains their support for the two North-West English giants.
Manuel Akanji, who signed for the Premier League champions recently, also infamously revealed his support for Manchester United after joining Borussia Dortmund.
The Swiss international defender is claimed to have said at the time, “My favourite club has been Manchester United since I was a child. I would like to play there one day.”
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Speaking to German outlet Blick in an exclusive interview, Manuel Akanji was questioned on the claim, as he explained, “I gave this interview shortly after moving to (Borussia) Dortmund.
"I said that I was a Manchester United fan growing up – but that when you reach a certain level as a player yourself, you are no longer a fan yourself. Because then you play against such clubs.
He continued, "Then you don't support this club like you did in your childhood.
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"And then the second part was a misunderstanding.”
Quizzed about how his desire to play for Manchester United was a misunderstanding, the 27-year-old replied, “In this context, I was also asked what my goal was. I said I would eventually play for the best club in the world.
"From this, it was concluded that I consider Manchester United to be the best club in the world and that I really wanted to play for Man United one day, which I never said.”
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The former Borussia Dortmund star was also questioned about at what point did his affinity towards Erik ten Hag’s side disappear.
“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.”
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Ultimately, Manuel Akanji’s decision to join Manchester City just proves that his days of supporting the club’s arch rivals are a thing of the past.
Topics: Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga, Germany, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, Football
Srinivas Sadhanand