Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders explained why he knew he had to move to Milan after receiving a call from Stefano Pioli and Geoffrey Moncada. The Dutch international arrived in the summer and has gone on to feature heavily for the Rossoneri this season, immediately becoming a key part of their midfield. Speaking with TuttoSport, the 25-year-old shared his first impressions of the city and explained why he knew he had to join Milan after speaking with the club:
Tell us about your arrival at Milan…
“I’m proud of it, ever since I came here and signed the contract. And even now when I’m on the pitch and I wear the shirt. You see the level of the Dutch in the Rossoneri and how great the club is: playing for Milan is like realizing a childhood dream.”
What are the differences compared to being at AZ?
“A much bigger club and very close-knit fans in Italy: I like it a lot, the love you receive from the fans is the best. I play for one of the best clubs in the world.
“In Alkmaar, becoming Dutch champions is an aspiration, here you have to win the Scudetto and you feel the pressure more. At AZ they focused on player development, here you have to be there 100% because they expect more from you.”
Is the Scudetto an objective?
“Definitely: winning it to get the club’s second star, I know how important it is for the club and for the fans. It would be great to have a role this season.”
And the Champions League?
“Important week: PSG on Wednesday and Napoli next Sunday. It is one of the most important moments of the year. Above all, we need the 3 points in Europe. The Champions League is another dream, I’m at Milan for this. We want to get as far as possible.”
Juventus are the next opponents…
“We played against them in the pre-season, great team and good players. I would take Vlahovic away from them if I could, but also Kean. And in midfield they are good, I faced Rabiot and McKennie. They have quality, but so do we. We have a lot of confidence.”
What do you like about Milan as a city?
“A beautiful city, I like the culture, the food is good. The pasta, above all, with tomato, simple and very good. There is a lot of great restaurants. Traffic is the only thing that bothers me a little sometimes, but that’s how it is.”
When did you realise moving to Milan was a real possibility?
“First they told me he was interested in me, but I was hesitant. You never know. Then I received the call from Moncada and Pioli. It was so impressive that I thought: ‘Yes, I have to go straight to Milan’.
“I immediately had a good feeling. There were other clubs but Milan also took first place for the role. They explained to me how they wanted me to play, it was the best solution for me.
“I like to help the team create opportunities, but defence is also very important. In Italy you have to be smart, it’s important to defend and attack. You have to be complete.”
Frank Rijkaard also played at Milan…
“He was more defensive, I like to throw myself into the area (he makes a box-to-box gesture with his hands). In the future I don’t see myself at the centre of defence like him, but he was an incredible player. I’m still very far from his level, who knows one day?”
What is the Milan squad like?
“I like it a lot, even if sometimes it’s difficult because of the language. I’m learning Italian, watching films and taking lessons. I feel close to Pioli, the staff and my team-mates, like Loftus-Cheek on and off the pitch. I feel very at home.”
You lost the derby 5-1…
“I still have a bad feeling, we’ll try to take revenge on the return leg. After that match we did a great job and that’s why we’re in the lead.”
You have played a lot of minutes already this season, like last season…
“I’m in shape. I love playing football, mentally and physically I’m fine. Luckily I have a wife, Marina, who takes care of me at home, so I don’t have to worry about anything.”
What is it like being in the Netherlands team?
“I certainly improved a lot in Italy, becoming a more complete midfielder. At the beginning I wasn’t one to track back much, here I understood it. In this sense, Milan has made me a more complete midfielder, but I think that we cannot drastically improve in 2-3 months.
“Maybe they waited a little too long, but now I’m finally where I wanted to be. I waited, it’s true, in any case everything makes sense and I’m very proud to play for the Netherlands.”
What is playing in Serie A like?
“Serie A is more physically demanding, I like it. And the opposing defence is more technical, they play the ball.”
Who are your idols?
“When I was young, initially Ronaldinho. And then Messi. But, if I think about myself, I have to say Iniesta.”
Finally, what do you like to do away from the field?
“I like paddle and I really like traveling during holidays. Go to places like Mexico or exotic and not exactly touristy places like Tanzania.
“I want to discover the beauties of the world, including the most hidden ones. In Italy I only went to Como, on the lake. We are very busy, there is little time available.”
there is little time available.”
