Tijjani Reijnders has once again stated that he rejected Barcelona for AC Milan, and shed a bit more light on what he sees his best position to be.
It has been all smiles for Reijnders so far out on the tour of the USA as he got his first taste of game action during the 3-2 defeat against Real Madrid earlier in the week, coming off the bench and nearly having a hand in what could have been the winner.
He signed on a five-year deal from AZ Alkmaar for a fee widely reported to be €20m plus bonuses, helping to rebuild a midfield that needed help badly following Ismael Bennacer’s injury and Sandro Tonali’s sale.
Milan fans will see him again tomorrow night against Juventus and at the beginning of August against Barcelona, but in the meantime he spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about a number of different topics.
What does being at Milan feel like?
“I’ve been impressed, from day one. I immediately understood that I was in a big club, different from the size of AZ Alkmaar I was used to.”
What is striking?
“The fans. Seeing how they support us is very cool. And as a child I always saw Milan on TV, alone or with my dad, I always knew that Milan was a great club.”
Having to sum up all this in one name, which one?
“Marco van Basten. One of the best in Dutch history. 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. Some say you’ll be the regista, others say mezzala. Who is right?
“I like to play as number 8, as a midfielder. The thing I do best is being a box to box player, effective defensively and in the other half. I like to help build the game, be a creative player.”
Mezzala then… better on the right or on the left?
“On the left, I feel better there.”
The deeper player for Milan will therefore be Krunic…
“Yes, I think Rade is our deeper-lying player today, then let’s see how he fares during the season.”
The No.14 on the shoulders of a Dutchman actually brings to mind a more attacking player…
“Yes, I chose it because of Cruijff. My favorite number is 6, I also used it in Holland, 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 are you doing with Italian?
“Um, it’s still early. They are teaching me a few words here: ‘how are you’, ‘good morning’, simple things. The next step is to find a home in Milan because I still haven’t figured out where I’m going to stay. We will do it when we return from the tour.”
What is Tijjani Reijnders’ dream at almost 25 years old?
“Winning a Champions League with Milan. But now also a scudetto…”
You also said no to Barcelona, is it true that a call also came from Xavi?
“Yes, but I had made my choice. I had spoken to Moncada and Pioli… and at that point I had already made up my mind, including with my family. I had already decided that I would play for Milan.”
Being at Milan also means managing the post-Tonali situation. The favourite player of many Milan fans has started in midfield. Do you feel pressure or none?
“Zero. I honestly don’t feel pressure, I want to be myself on and off the pitch.”
Speaking of that talk about the Scudetto, who are the favourites?
“In Italy there are many big clubs, we know that. Juventus, Napoli who had a great season, Inter…”
If you had to choose the most dangerous opponent?
“Napoli.”
What are you like off the pitch?
“A quiet boy, very relaxed. A little lazy here, yes. After training, I like to relax.”
Who is your idol?
“Messi. In my role, Iniesta.”
And your favourite sportsperson?
“Maybe Bolt.”
Favorite off-field sport?
“Padel. I have been playing for two or three years and I play on the right.”
The stadium where it would be nice to play in the next Champions League?
“The Bernabéu.”
A moment in history in which it would have been nice to live?
“1988 in Holland, when we won the European Championship.”
And a goal in life, apart from football?
“May my family be well and can have a good life, without too many worries.”
