Reijnders: ‘How I improved so much, will soon extend Milan contract’ | OneFootball

Tijjani Reijnders has attracted interest from clubs including Manchester City, but insists he will ‘soon extend’ his contract with Milan, having improved so much at San Siro.

The midfielder was signed from AZ Alkmaar for €20.5m plus bonuses in the summer of 2023 and has just gone from strength to strength.

So far this season, he has found the net 11 times with three assists in 33 competitive appearances, becoming one of the first names on the teamsheet under multiple different coaches.

“I had a real turning point and am much more decisive than I was before,” Reijnders told France Football.

“I used to be too hasty, so I worked on that aspect of my game. I did a lot of shooting practice, with my father and brother we rewatched my games to analyse my behaviour in front of goal.

“I am far more present on the field now and above all am much more composed. When I get into the final third, I know what to do. Once I scored my first two goals, I gained confidence and it all changed.”

Reijnders profile has risen at Milan

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 03: Tijjani Reijnders of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Coppa Italia match between AC Milan and Sassuolo at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 03, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

This vastly improved form has seen the 26-year-old ramp up the number of senior caps he earned for the Netherlands to 20, but also earn transfer interest from the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona.

However, Reijnders assures France Football that he has no intention of leaving Milan and is even ready to extend the current deal that holds him to June 2028.

“My statistics put me under the spotlight, but that is a positive thing, it means I am playing well! It does not create any extra pressure.

“Every time I set foot on the pitch, I smile, because I am so happy to be playing. I enjoy my football and am glad that so far I haven’t had any injuries.”

He was expected to be rested in this evening’s Serie A trip to Empoli, but instead is again in the starting XI.

“My objective is to win as many trophies as possible, to write my name in the history books. I hope that it will be possible to do that at Milan, who I will soon extend my rapport with.

“Another dream could be to have a nomination for the Ballon d’Or, because that means a lot. It all depends on my performances and the trophies that I win.

“If I continue working to be the best possible player in every match, to work hard for the team and be decisive, it will be easier to get nominated.”