Reijnders discusses love for Milan, incredible season, decision to renew and trophy desire | OneFootball

Tijjani Reijnders has once again pledged his love to AC Milan, reiterating his desire to stay for the long term and win more trophies.

Reijnders joined Milan in the summer of 2023 and yet he has established himself as a shining light in what has been an otherwise dark season for the club. His 15 goals across all competitions make him the most prolific midfielder in Serie A, having taken his game to the next level.

The Dutchman’s most recent crowning moment came on Wednesday night in the Derby della Madonnina win over Inter. He scored the third goal to make it 4-1 on aggregate late on and effectively kill the tie off.

The former AZ Alkmaar man continues to be linked with big clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City – understandable given his form – but also recently committed his future to the Rossoneri with a renewal until 2030.

Now, Reijnders has given an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport in which he made it very clear he is not having second thoughts about staying at Milan for the long term.

Reijnders, what did you mean on Wednesday when – after scoring the 3-0 goal – you went under the Curva Sud and pointed to the Milan crest?

“Milan is red and black because Inter have never beaten us this season. We showed what we can do and the last one was the best of the five derbies played.”

Why are Milan capable of such feats in the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa, but in the league they are ninth?

“We weren’t consistent enough in terms of performance and we lost a lot of points along the way. On Wednesday we had a great opportunity to reach the final and continue aiming for qualification for the European competitions.

“Winning the Coppa Italia can allow us to participate in the next European cups and we have to try. On the pitch we were hungry as dogs and we also showed that quality that hasn’t always been seen during the season.”

Can you explain what that exultation with open arms under the Curva means?

“It’s an image that came to mind a while ago. When I’m at home I often joke and, if things don’t go my way, I often say… ‘C’est la vie’, or this is life. That gesture with my arms sums up my motto, but I prefer to do it on the pitch after a goal rather than when things aren’t going my way.”

What is the secret of your season so far, one with 15 goals and four assists?

“Every player wants to score and provide assists to his teammates. In the past I was closer to scoring, but I wasn’t as concrete as I am now.

“In the past few months I’ve worked a lot, I’ve spoken with friends and family, especially with my father Martin and my brother Eliano, and they’ve helped me understand how to help the team with my plays.”

Did you work more on the mental or technical aspect?

“Especially mental. Now when it’s time to kick or try to give an assist I feel more focused, I have colder blood.”

How did your father and brother help you?

“My father was a former professional player and opened a football school where he teaches basic technique to children. My brother and I trained there and when dad understood that we could become professional footballers, he was very strict with us to help us improve.

“He gave us and still gives us advice. I’m not saying he’s always right, but often he is. We listen to him and work together to improve.”

Did your father call you after the derby too?

“Yes, but this time no criticism… He told me he saw the best Tijji again.”

In January in Riyadh, Pioli joked that when he coached you, you always shot wide…

“(Laughs) Now I’m more clinical and compared to last year I have a few more opportunities to get to shoot on goal. I owe a lot to Pioli because he gave me confidence and I have a great feeling with him. As a coach and above all as a person.”

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How do you explain the difference in Milan’s performance between Serie A and cups?

“There is no explanation, apart from the fact that we have not been consistent. A clear example is that we won at the Bernabeu and then drew in Cagliari: if you want to fight to win the league, you cannot allow this. We must do much better in this final part of the season and in the next one. I am convinced that we will improve.”

Some top clubs want you, but you decided to renew her contract with Milan until 2030. Why?

“Living in Italy and playing for a club like Milan is the dream I had since I was a child. My family is happy here and when I was offered the renewal, it was an easy choice. I also thank the club: the directors were quick to extend our agreement.”

His son Xavien is also in the signing photos…

“He is the future star of soccer (laughs). After every goal I cross my arms and form the letter ‘X’ for him. As soon as he was born I told my wife Marina that I would celebrate in that way and I continue to do so. When I have three children, doing everyone’s initials will be more complicated.”

Are you planning to expand your family?

“I hope so. Right now we are enjoying Xavien, but in the future we hope to grow as a family.”

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Van Basten, Gullit and Rijkaard paid you great compliments. Did you expect that?

“I read their words and I’m very proud of what they said because they are three legends of Milan and Dutch football. My father was a big fan of Van Basten and showed me many videos of him.

“I met him in December here at San Siro and it was beautiful. I also saw Rijkaard. I already knew Gullit because his son played in the youth team of AZ when I was there.”

Before arriving in Milan, you had zero trophies, while on May 14 you could win a second. Are you enjoying it?

“Winning the Supercoppa was fantastic and I felt incredible. It made me want to win more trophies. Being in the Coppa final is a great opportunity and we have to go to Rome with one goal: to bring home the cup.”

It won’t be easy against Bologna…

“We will be facing a strong opponent, who has good ball possession. They have quality up front, especially on the wings and it will be tough. Compared to the match we lost in the league, however, we are now playing differently and I am convinced that we will do better.

“We are confident because we are Milan and we have a quality team. In Rome we must show that we are the best team.”

Your compatriot Beukema plays for Bologna…

“Sometimes we talk. Maybe we will in the next few days… I also know Odgaard well, he is not Dutch but he was with me at AZ.”

How much credit does Conceiçao have for qualifying for the final?

“A lot. We talked about the possibility of winning two trophies and we went on the pitch determined to reach the final. The new formation suits the characteristics of the squad well. We can always improve, but we are on the right track.”

Meanwhile, on Sunday there is the away match in Venice…

“Beautiful city. I’ve been there as a tourist and I had fun, but this time I’m going back… for work. We’ll have to be careful with Venezia, avoid thinking about the victory we got against Inter.

“There are other matches before the Coppa Italia final and to prepare well for May 14th we’ll have to give our best in every league match.”

On Wednesday we spoke to your former coach at AZ, Pasqual Jansen, and he asked us to ask her a question: ‘Tijjani, how did you manage to maintain such a high performance even when Milan’s results were not good?’

“Did you really talk to him? I have a great relationship with Pasqual and he taught me a lot. I always try to help the team by giving 100% to achieve results. We players have to give our best, resist difficulties and get out of difficult moments. It’s normal to make mistakes and we are the first to be disappointed when things don’t go well.”

In which role are you best suited?

“I can’t say that this season the role I play doesn’t suit me… I’m a box-to-box midfielder and now I get close to the box a lot more often with space to shoot. This makes me perform at my best, without forgetting to defend.”

What do you do off the field in Milano?

“My life is simple: I go out with my wife and son for a walk, for a coffee or to eat something. Especially when the weather is nice like these days.”

What is your dream?

“Win trophies. This season we can win two, but in the next seasons my biggest dream is to put the second star on the Milan patch.”

You speak like a true Rossonero…

“I’m in love with this jersey and it’s an honour to wear it.”

How are you feeling right now?

“A little tired, honestly. We celebrated on the pitch and in the dressing room, then I went home to sleep and fell asleep at 3, but at 4 my son woke me up…”

After the assist at the Bernabeu, Leao gave you another great pass on Wednesday. Do you have a gift in mind to thank him?

“We have a great feeling on the pitch and I always look for him with long balls. Leao is super. Everyone knows how strong he is and it’s great to have him as a teammate.”