Tijjani Reijnders has explained how his celebration came about, and why he took great joy doing it against Inter on Wednesday night.
Reijnders is in the form of his life having scored 15 goals this season already across all competitions. He continues to be linked with big clubs which is par for the course playing this well, but the Dutchman recently committed his future to the Rossoneri with a renewal until 2030.
His most recent goal came on Wednesday night in the 3-0 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, allowing Milan to reach the Coppa Italia final for the first time in seven years.
Reijnders gave a long interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport in which he spoke about his decision to renew with the Rossoneri, his excellent season so far and his desire to win more trophies.
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.”
Can you explain what that celebration 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.
Your son Xavien is also in the photos of you signing your renewal…
“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.”
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.”
