Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has revealed the emotional difficulty he faced when deciding to leave AC Milan in the summer of 2025 to join Pep Guardiola’s side.
Reijnders, who became one of City’s flagship midfield signings during a transitional period for the club, admitted that leaving Milan was a deeply personal challenge despite the appeal of playing for the Premier League champions. The Dutch international joined the Etihad outfit for £46 million on a five-year contract, after City allowed Kevin De Bruyne to depart on a free transfer.
Speaking in an interview with MilanNews, as relayed by Sport Witness, Reijnders explained: “It was really hard to leave Milan because I had a great relationship with everyone there. The fans, my teammates, the staff – all of that made my departure difficult emotionally.”
However, Reijnders noted the opportunity to join Manchester City was impossible to turn down. “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 have won. Then there’s a great coach here, and look at the players the club has. I have a lot of feelings for Milan, but some trains only pass once.”
Bright Start in England
The 26-year-old enjoyed a remarkable Premier League debut in City’s 4-0 opening day victory over Wolves, scoring once and assisting Erling Haaland in an eye-catching display. Though he has yet to consistently replicate those heights, Reijnders has already become a key figure in Guardiola’s plans.
Executives across football were stunned by the relatively modest £46 million fee City paid for the box-to-box midfielder, particularly given his standout 2024/25 campaign with AC Milan. Many have tipped him to become one of the signings of the summer as Guardiola reshapes his squad following De Bruyne’s departure.
Future Prospects
Reijnders is now focused on adapting fully to life in Manchester and playing a pivotal role as City seek to reclaim both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles after a testing campaign last year. With Guardiola relying on his energy, vision, and versatility, the Dutchman looks set to be a cornerstone of City’s new era.
FAQs
- Why did Tijjani Reijnders leave AC Milan?
Reijnders admitted it was an emotional and difficult decision, but he felt joining Manchester City was the best step for his career from a sporting perspective.
- How much did Manchester City pay for Reijnders?
City signed him from AC Milan for £46 million in summer 2025.
- What impact has he made at Manchester City so far?
He scored and assisted on his Premier League debut against Wolves and has quickly established himself as one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted midfielders.
- What role is he expected to play under Guardiola?
Reijnders is expected to be a first-team regular, leading City’s midfield during a transitional period and filling part of the void left by Kevin De Bruyne.
Conclusion
Tijjani Reijnders’ transfer from AC Milan to Manchester City marked one of the standout moves of summer 2025. Despite the emotional challenge of leaving a club where he had strong bonds, his decision to join Guardiola’s City represents both ambition and opportunity. If he continues to build on his promising start, Reijnders could play a defining role in shaping Manchester City’s success for years to come.
