Leo Messi and Andres Iniesta are Tijjani Reijnders’ idols, but the Dutch midfielder rejected Barcelona for Milan last summer because of the role the Rossoneri offered him.
The 25-year-old was among the many new signings the Serie A giants completed this summer. He joined Milan from AZ Alkmaar for circa €20m despite interest from Barcelona.
“I didn’t have to think much. Milan were my first option, also because of the role,” Reijnders told Il Corriere della Sera.
“They explained to me how they wanted me to play and I knew it was the best solution.”
His choice is even more impressive considering that Reijnders named Messi his ‘idol’ and Iniesta his role model in midfield.
“It is a dream to be here. I think of van Basten, Gullit, Rijkard. For we Dutch, it’s always been a special team,” continued the Dutch midfielder.
“I like to help the team to score goals, run forward, and be creative, but I know defence is really important, especially in Italy.”
Milan are the Serie A leaders, but what if Reijnders had to choose between the Scudetto and the Champions League?
“Surely the Scudetto because I know how much the second star means to the club and the fans,” he admitted.
“The Champions League is a dream too, so I came here. We want to go as far as possible.
“We’ve done an excellent job after losing the derby, so we are top of the table. We’ll try to win in the return leg, we can still improve.”
The Rossoneri will host their rivals Juventus at San Siro on Sunday night, but have two more big games after that, against PSG in the Champions League and Napoli in Serie A again.
“It’s one of the most important moments. We have three big games, two in Serie A and one in the Champions League. We’ll try to win them all,” said Reijnders.
“Juventus impressed me when we met them last summer. Dusan Vlahovic is a dangerous opponent. He has great quality, but we have quality too.”
Reijders also discussed his relationship with Milan coach Stefano Pioli and his father Martin, a professional Dutch footballer in the 90s.
“Pioli and I are on good terms. It was difficult initially because of the language, but now I am studying Italian and watching movies. I think it’s the best way to learn.
“As a kid, my father would tell me and my brother that we had to take more shots on target. So we had a deal. He would have given us €50 for every two shots on target. If it didn’t happen, we had to give him money. He ended up regretting it.”