Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji has conceded that he would have loved to see Stephan Lichtsteiner join the Bundesliga giants instead of Arsenal.
The 34-year-old full-back has agreed to join Arsenal on a free transfer once his contract with Italian champions Juventus expires at the end of the month.
Dortmund were also interested in signing the Swiss international and did have talks with him over a move to Germany, but Lichtsteiner eventually decided to move to England with Arsenal.
Akanji, who is the full-back’s team-mate with Switzerland, admits that he would have loved to play with the national team captain had he joined Dortmund.
The BVB defender has no doubts about the quality and experience he brings to the table and believes his ability to put in consistent performances makes Lichtsteiner a special player for any club to have.
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The Dortmund star told Swiss daily Blick: “I would have been happy if he had joined us.
“Stephan is a player of immense quality and experience.
“He was with Juventus for a long time, played two Champions League finals, won numerous trophies and is the captain of the national team.
“He always performs.”
Arsenal are hopeful Lichtsteiner will add much needed experience to their squad ahead of their first season with Arsene Wenger at the helm after 22 years.
