MANCHESTER CITY have announced the exits of two treble-winning stars in the space of an hour.
Centre-back Manuel Akanji, 30, has joined goalkeeper Ederson in heading for the Etihad exit doors.
Akanji has joined Italian giants Inter Milan on a season-long loan with an option to make the deal permanent next season.
The loan will cost Inter £870,000, with the buy option understood to be worth £13million.
Prem duo Tottenham and Crystal Palace also showed interest, while Galatasaray discussed a move for the former Borussia Dortmund man.
However, Inter made their move and Akanji could see the writing was on the wall for him at City with just hours of the deadline remaining.
He was a bargain £15 million signing for City from Borussia Dortmund just before the deadline three years ago.
His versatility meant he was a key man as they swept to the treble in his first season.
Akanji leaves City having made 136 appearances for the club, winning two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and a Champions League.
The Swiss defender becomes the second part of City’s treble-winning side to leave the club in the space of an hour, after Ederson left in a permanent switch to Fenerbahce this morning.
The Brazilian stopper has joined the the Turkish club in a deal worth £11million.
The 32-year-old was ready to move on from City after manager Pep Guardiola has brought in two new goalkeepers this summer.
Guardiola sanctioned the arrivals of Burnley gloveman James Trafford last month and Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma on deadline day yesterday.
In a lengthy statement, Ederson said of his exit: “I leave Manchester City incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and I am honoured to have worn the shirt so many times.
“Under Pep, we have won dominated the Premier League and conquered Europe. It has been amazing.
“I would first of all like to thank him and Head of Goalkeeping Xabier Mancisidor for making me the best goalkeeper I could be and teaching so much about the game. I must also thank my team-mates.
“Our desire to win every game we play has been a joy to be a part of and that has made me relish every day on the training field or in the dressing room with every one of you.
“Finally, the fans. Thank you for making me feel at home in a city so far away from where I am from and for supporting me throughout what has been an amazing period for me and my family.
“I arrived in Manchester eight years ago full of hope, but I could not have predicted such a beautiful time together.
“Playing for City has been the most special time of my life and I will always be a fan of this special club.
“I’m going with my wife and children, but I’m leaving a big family here, Cityzens. Once a Blue, always a Blue.”
Ederson has been a crucial part of Guardiola’s reign in Manchester, winning six Premier League titles and making over 370 appearances.
Ederson and Akanji could be followed out of the exit door by the skipper from that historic treble – Ilkay Gundogan – who is in talks with Galatasaray.
While the Prem’s transfer window – which saw more than £3billion spent – slammed shut at 7pm on Monday, the window in Turkey remains open until September 12.
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