Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders on Milan exit: “It was really hard to leave” | OneFootball

Former Serie A star Tijjani Reijnders has revealed that it was really hard to leave Milan in the summer but he is convinced that Manchester City is a step up.

The Dutchman joined the Citizens for what now looks like a bargain fee, having already made his mark under Pep Guardiola while playing as an attacking midfielder and central midfielder.

He spoke to MilanNews about the transfer and revealed that it was difficult to leave the Rossoneri for Manchester City in the summer.

“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. But then Manchester City came knocking and from a sporting point of view it was the best decision for me.”

Speaking of how Manchester City is a step-up, the 27-year-old said: “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’ve won in recent years. Then there’s a great coach here, and just look at the players the club has. I have a lot of feelings for Milan, but some trains only pass once.”

He also hopes that Milan continue to compete for trophies in the near future.

“I don’t know if they took so many midfielders just because I left (laughs). Many quality midfielders have arrived and I hope they give their all to bring Milan back to where it deserves to be: in the Champions League and fighting for trophies.”

Reijnders has a goal and two assists in the Premier League so far and he is going to pay a key role under Guardiola in the remainder of the season.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN