New Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders explained why the club impressed him from day one, and also revealed his preferred midfield position. The Dutch midfielder completed his move to the Rossoneri last week, and in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Rossoneriblog), he talked about the type of person he is and where he likes to play:
How does it feel like to be at Milan?
“I’ve been impressed, from day one. I immediately understand that I was in a big club, different from the size of AZ Alkmaar that I was used to.”
What impresses?
“The fans. Seeing how they support us is very cool. Then as a child I always watched Milan on TV, alone or together with my father, I always knew that Milan was a great club.”
If you had to sum it all up in one name, which one?
“Marco Van Basten. One of the best in the history of the Netherlands. If you ask me for the name of a Dutchman from Milan, the first one that comes to mind is him.”
The Milan fans are wondering where Reijnders will play in Pioli’s new 4-3-3, still to be built. Someone says deep-lying playmaker, others mezz’ala. Who is right?
“I like to play as a number 8, as a mezz’ala. What I do best is being a box-to-box player, effective defensively and on the other half of the pitch. I like to help build the game and be a creative player.”
Mezz’ala then… are you better on the right or on the left?
“On the left, I feel better there.”
So Milan’s deep-lying playmaker will be Krunić…
“Yes, I think Rade is our central midfielder today, then we’ll see how it goes during the season.”
The number 14 on the shoulders of a Dutchman actually brings to mind a more attacking player…
“Yes, I chose it for Cruijff. My favorite number is 6, I also used it in the Netherlands, but obviously at Milan you can’t take it because of Franco Baresi. So I thought of Cruijff and the choice was natural.
And how is it going with the Italian?
“Um… it’s still early. I’m being taught a few words here: ‘come stai’ [how are you], ‘buongiorno’ [good morning], simple things. The next step is to find a home in Milano because I still haven’t figured out where I’m going to stay. We will do that when we come back from the tour.”
What is Tijjani Reijnders’ dream at almost 25 years old?
“Winning a Champions League with Milan. But now also a Scudetto.”
For Milan, there was also a ‘no’ to Barcelona and we understand that by now. Is it true that a call also came from Xavi?
“Yes, but I had made my choice. I had talked with Moncada and Pioli and at that point I had already made up my mind, also with my family. I had already decided that I would play for Milan.”
Being at Milan also means managing the post-Tonali situation. The favorite player of many Milanisti has left the midfield. Do you feel pressure or nothing?
“Zero. I honestly don’t feel pressure, I want to be myself on and off the pitch.”
Speaking of that Scudetto talk, who are the favorites?
“In Italy there are many great clubs, we know that. Juventus, Napoli, who had a great season, Inter…”
If you have to choose the most dangerous opponent?
“Napoli.”
How is Tijjani off the pitch?
“A tranquil guy, very relaxed. A bit lazy, this yes. After training I like to relax.”
Who is your lifelong idol?
“Messi. And in my role, Iniesta.”
The number one sportsman?
“Maybe Bolt.”
Favorite sport off the pitch?
“Padel. I’ve been playing for 2-3 years and I play on the right side.”
The stadium where it would be nice to play in the next Champions League?
“Santiago Bernabéu.”
A moment in history that would have been nice to experience?
“1988 in the Netherlands, when we won the EUROs.”
And an objective in life, besides football?
“That my family will be well and can have a good life without too many worries.”
