Ruben Dias reveals personal message he had for Tijjani Reijnders before Premier League opener | OneFootball

Manchester City latest star to be subjected to a blockbuster contract renewal has detailed the personal message he had for new signing Tijjani Reijnders.

As one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted leaders, Ruben Dias has quickly become more than just a defensive lynchpin for Manchester City, with the Portuguese international viewed as a dressing room cornerstone.

Following a summer that has seen City refresh their midfield with fresh energy, Ruben Dias has made it clear just how much he values the role of welcoming teammates to English football.

City’s recruitment strategy has included the arrival of Tijjani Reijnders – a marquee summer arrival from AC Milan, fitting the requirements of an Etihad Stadium midfielder impressively during the opening weeks of his time working under Pep Guardiola.

At 27, the Dutchman has arrived at the peak of his career, expected to immediately add control, dynamism, and tactical flexibility to Pep Guardiola’s system, and figures like Ruben Dias play a vital role in ensuring transitions are as seamless as possible.

The sense of renewal has also been evident across the wider squad. Dias himself has just committed to a new long-term contract, a decision that reinforces his position as one of the pillars of Pep Guardiola’s next chapter at Manchester City.

The defender’s personal excitement about fresh arrivals echoes the optimism around the club that, despite setbacks last season, the hunger to dominate remains intact.

Speaking as part of a wider interview with the official club website in light of his Manchester City contract extension, Ruben Dias revealed the fresh energy he has gained from the recruitment policy that has been undertaken since the January transfer market.

“I think it [new signings] is part of any renewal of a squad. New energy, new players,” Dias admitted.

“I remember even saying to Tijjani [Reijnders] before the game [against Wolves] – and I felt thrilled just by saying it – ‘My friend, welcome to the Premier League, you’re going to enjoy it.’ Because this is the level. This is the dream for everyone,” he continued.

“Whoever they might be, if you’re a footballer, a top one, and you have ambition and you want to be at the top, this is where you want to end up. Even though I’ve just started my sixth season, just saying that to Tijjani made me feel like a young kid that just came in as well.”

Ruben Dias added, “And I kind of shared the feeling of being new to all this. That’s the kind of feeling that keeps you winning, keeps you hungry, keeps you focused.

“Between many other things, that’s one of the little details that make the whole difference at the end in which we have to build on.”

Looking ahead, Ruben Dias’ comments underline just how important Tijjani Reijnders could be to Manchester City’s campaign. The Dutchman is expected to consistently compete for a starting spot in Guardiola’s midfield, with his versatility allowing him to partner Rodri or Nico Gonzalez in a deeper role or operate in more advanced areas when required.

His ability to slot into multiple positions provides Pep Guardiola with additional tactical variety, something the manager has often sought in recent transfer windows.

For Dias personally, his words reflect the mentality that has helped City sustain their dominance. The willingness to embrace change, share responsibility, and motivate those around him highlights the defender’s evolution into a leader of the dressing room.

As Manchester City aim to reclaim domestic and European supremacy this season, the partnership between long-established figures like Dias and ambitious newcomers such as Reijnders could prove vital in striking the balance between continuity and fresh ambition.