Tijjani Reijnders has claimed that it was an ‘easy’ decision to join Manchester City from AC Milan, and he looks forward to working with Pep Guardiola.
The midfielder’s move to Manchester City was made official on Wednesday, leaving after just two seasons at the club. He played 104 games and scored 19 goals in that time, winning the award for best midfielder in Lega Serie A, meaning it will be a tall order to replace him.
Reijnders spoke to Sky Sports UK about his move from the Rossoneri to the Citizens and why in his mind it was a no-brainer, from a sporting point of view.
“They contacted my father at the end of the season and they were looking for a Number 8, for me it was not a big doubt if I wanted to go to Manchester City, it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world right now,” Reijnders told Sky.
“The choice was easy to make. Of course, Milan will always be in my heart, I had two really good seasons there and met very nice people, but you also have to look at the sporting aspect. I want to reach some goals in my career and I think that I can reach those here quickly.”
He is already in the United States to work with his new coach Guardiola, given that City will participate in the Club World Cup in America which begins very shortly.
“That is also a big thing of course, he is the best coach in the world, I am eager to learn new things and a new style of playing. I’m very much looking forward to it,” he said.
The Dutchman – who scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 54 appearances for Milan this season – responded to a question about what fans can expect from him.
“I am a box-to-box player who likes to carry the ball, to be also in the build-up and eventually connect to the attacking part, finding assists and goals. That is what I also want to bring to City.”
