Dutch international midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has broken his silence on the high-profile summer move that saw him trade AC Milan for Premier League champions Manchester City. In a candid reflection, the 27-year-old admitted that joining Pep Guardiola’s side was nothing short of a “step forward” in his career, even though leaving San Siro was one of the toughest decisions he has ever made.
From Milan to Manchester – A Major Career Leap
Reijnders arrived at Manchester City after two standout seasons with AC Milan, where he established himself as one of Serie A’s most consistent midfielders. His transfer fee was reported at around €70 million, underscoring City’s belief in his quality and potential.
Despite the glamour of the move, Reijnders confessed that saying goodbye to Milan was emotionally draining. He had built deep connections not only with his teammates, but also with the fans and staff who surrounded him every day.
“It was very difficult to leave Milan because I had such a great relationship with everyone there – the fans, my teammates, the staff. That emotional bond made it a really hard decision,” Reijnders told MilanNews.it.
Professional Logic Over Emotional Bonds
Still, sentiment was ultimately outweighed by professional ambition. When Manchester City came calling, Reijnders recognized the opportunity as one he simply couldn’t afford to miss.
“Then Manchester City knocked on my door. From a sporting perspective, it was the best decision for me. If you look at the last few years of both clubs, it’s clearly a step forward in every way,” he explained.
Reijnders highlighted City’s dominance in English and European football, noting their string of trophies and the unmatched tactical environment provided by Guardiola.
Drawn by Guardiola and a World-Class Squad
The allure of playing under Pep Guardiola – widely considered one of the greatest managers of all time – was another decisive factor. Reijnders also praised the world-class talent throughout the City squad, believing that competing alongside such players will elevate his own game.
“Just look at the number of trophies they’ve lifted in recent years. Add to that a fantastic coach and incredible players all around me – this was an opportunity that doesn’t come often,” he said.
A Golden Train That Passes Only Once
Ultimately, Reijnders framed his choice as seizing a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Though his heart still holds affection for Milan, he knew that opportunities like Manchester City rarely come twice in a footballer’s career.
“I will always have strong feelings for Milan, but sometimes a golden train passes only once. I had to get on it,” he concluded.
Since arriving at the Etihad, Reijnders has quickly become a regular in Guardiola’s midfield rotation, adapting smoothly to the Premier League’s intensity. His decision already looks justified, as he sets his sights on winning major honors with the reigning European champions while continuing his growth on football’s biggest stage.
With his honesty and ambition, Tijjani Reijnders has made it clear: Milan will always have a place in his heart, but Manchester City is the future he intends to conquer.
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