Manchester City star admits behind-the-scenes emotional turmoil impacted summer of 2025 | OneFootball

Tijjani Reijnders has explained the emotional toll it took on him upon deciding to leave AC Milan when Manchester City came calling in the summer, in a new interview.

Reijnders was one of Manchester City’s flagship midfield signings this summer after officials at the Etihad Stadium allowed long-serving Kevin De Bruyne to leave on a free transfer at the end of the 34-year-old Belgian’s contract.

City expressed their interest in Reijnders early in the summer and had a free run at the Netherlands international, who completed a £46 million switch from the San Siro to Manchester on a five-year contract.

Executives in football has been shellshocked with the seemingly cheap price Manchester City were able to sign Reijnders for, noting the incredible start to life in England made by the dynamic, box-to-box midfielder.

Reijnders produced an all-time great Premier League debut performance in Manchester City’s 4-0 opening day win away at Wolves, scoring his first goal in English football in exquisite fashion before setting up Erling Haaland for his second goal of the afternoon at the Molineux Stadium.

The 26-year-old has since failed to match the high standards he has set for himself but it does take a pill each of time and patience to adapt to life under Pep Guardiola – a common theme for Manchester City’s new signings over the years.

Early into his Manchester City career, Reijnders has firmly established himself as one of the first names on Guardiola’s teamsheet and is expected to be a successful signing for the eight-time Premier League champions in a period of transition for the club.

Reijnders enjoyed a remarkable 2024-25 campaign with AC Milan and Manchester City took note of the Dutch midfielder, who has explained the circumstances around an emotional parting of ways with AC Milan in June.

“It was really hard to leave Milan because I had a great relationship with everyone there. The fans, my teammates, the staff – and all of that made my departure difficult emotionally,” the Manchester City summer signing explained in an interview with MilanNews, as relayed by Sport Witness.

“Then Manchester City came knocking and from a sporting point of view, it was the best decision for me. If we look at the last few years of both clubs, I think it’s a step forward from every perspective.

“Just look at the number of trophies they (Manchester City) have won in recent years. Then there’s a great coach (Guardiola) here, and just look at the players the club has. I have a lot of feelings for Milan, but some trains only pass once.”

Reijnders has quickly made his name as one of the best recruits of the 2025 summer transfer window and the Netherlands international will be very keen to play a crucial role in leading Manchester City back to Premier League and UEFA Champions League glory in the backdrop of a difficult 2024-25 season for the Blues.