Reijnders Reflects on Milan Past and Trusts Malen’s Potential

Tijjani Reijnders, currently representing the Netherlands at the World Cup, has spoken about his strong and lasting connection to AC Milan, the club where he spent two formative years. The midfielder emphasized that his time in Italy was a period of significant personal and professional growth, leaving an indelible mark on his career.

Milan Memories and Ibrahimović

Reijnders described his Milan experience as “fantastic,” highlighting the valuable lessons learned and the overall development he achieved both on and off the pitch. He stated, “They are and will always be in my heart. They were two fantastic years where I learned a lot and thanks to which I grew on the field and as a person. I will never forget them.” When asked about a potential encounter with Zlatan Ibrahimović, who was also associated with Milan, Reijnders mentioned seeing him in the United States but had not yet met. He expressed a willingness to embrace him should they cross paths.

Trust in Malen’s Abilities

The conversation also turned to his national team colleague, Donyell Malen. Reijnders voiced his complete confidence in Malen’s talent and potential, particularly in the face of any perceived difficulties. He referenced Malen’s recent performance against Roma as evidence of his capabilities, stating, “It is our striker. What he did with Roma is there for everyone to see. I played in Italy, I know how difficult it is. We trust him.” This statement underscores a belief within the Dutch camp that Malen is a key player capable of delivering crucial performances.

World Cup Ambitions

Looking ahead to the World Cup, Reijnders acknowledged a collective decision within the Dutch squad to elevate their performance after their match against Japan. He believes they have indeed made that step up and are now focused on the ultimate goal of winning the tournament. “The World Cup? After the match against Japan, we looked at each other and said we would have to make a leap in quality. I must say that there has been. Now we are working to try and win the World Cup,” he remarked.

Key facts

The significance of Reijnders’ comments lies in their insight into the mindset of players transitioning between top European clubs and national team duties. His reflections on AC Milan highlight the enduring impact of successful club tenures, while his endorsement of Donyell Malen offers a glimpse into the team dynamics and mutual support within the Dutch squad as they pursue World Cup glory. For fans of Italian football and international competitions, these statements provide valuable context on player sentiment and team confidence.

Source: TuttoMercatoWeb – https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/reijnders-sempre-legato-milan-malen-roma-fidiamo-lui-2246410