In a surprising twist last summer, 25-year-old Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders snubbed Barcelona, his idols Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta’s former club, in favor of joining Milan from AZ Alkmaar for a hefty sum of around €20 million. The driving force behind this audacious decision was the role that Milan had envisioned for him in their squad.
“I didn’t hesitate much. Milan was my top choice, primarily because of the role they presented,” Reijnders candidly revealed in an interview with Il Corriere della Sera. “Their description of how they wanted me to play made it crystal clear that it was the perfect fit.”
The irony of Reijnders idolizing Messi and viewing Iniesta as his midfield role model while opting for a different path was not lost on the young talent. He spoke passionately about his dream of playing for Milan and the inspiration he drew from legendary Dutch figures like Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, and Frank Rijkaard, underscoring the club’s enduring allure for Dutch players. Reijnders aspires to contribute to Milan’s attack, emphasizing his creative flair, but remains grounded in recognizing the indispensable value of a resolute defense, especially in the context of Italian football.
Scudetto vs Champions League: A Milan Dilemma
With Milan currently perched atop Serie A, Reijnders faces a hypothetical yet profound choice between clinching the Scudetto and claiming the elusive Champions League title. His response was both thoughtful and emblematic of his commitment to Milan’s tradition.
“Without a doubt, the Scudetto holds more significance for me. I understand the deep-rooted importance of that second star for the club and the fervent fanbase,” he confessed. “While the Champions League remains a cherished dream, I came here with the aim of achieving both. We are determined to go as far as we can.”
Despite stumbling in the early stages of the season, Milan’s remarkable resurgence and their current table-topping status highlight their potential to vie for both domestic and international glory.
Milan’s Upcoming Battles: Reijnders’ Evolution
Milan’s immediate future includes challenging matches against longstanding rivals Juventus in Serie A and high-profile encounters against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Napoli in Serie A. Reijnders acknowledged the critical juncture in the season and the importance of these fixtures.
“We are standing at a pivotal moment in the season with three crucial games on the horizon – two in Serie A and one in the Champions League. Our collective aim is to win them all,” Reijnders asserted. He exhibited respect for the opposition, particularly singling out Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus, while exuding confidence in Milan’s own qualities.
Reflecting on his journey, Reijnders also provided insight into his relationship with Milan’s coach, Stefano Pioli. He candidly admitted that overcoming the initial language barrier was a challenge but had embarked on a personal mission to learn Italian, which he believed to be the most effective way to foster clear communication. Additionally, he shared a heartwarming anecdote from his childhood, highlighting the motivation he received from his father, a former professional Dutch footballer of the 90s, who used a unique incentive system to encourage Reijnders and his brother to take more shots on target, an initiative that ultimately paid off.
