Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders had plenty of suitors before his move to San Siro last summer, and his father has explained why he decided to steer his son away from Barcelona, despite conversations with sporting director Deco.
Martin Reijnders, also a former professional in the Eredivisie, explained that Barcelona as well as a whole host of Premier League clubs wanted his son last summer. He insists that Barcelona were the only club that he had direct contact with, though.
Even though Martin Reijnders had spoken to Deco, he told his son that he was not the right profile of player to fill the gap in the Barcelona midfield left by former World Cup winner Sergio Busquets.
He feels that the decision has since paid off, as his Tijjani Reijnders has earned a starting spot under both Stefano Pioli and Paulo Fonseca.
“I advised my son to refuse Barcelona,” Martin Reijnders told Dutch outlet Algemen Dagblad.
“He could have been a reserve there, and risked failing abroad like many others before him. There were also requests from English clubs, but I only spoke with them through intermediaries.
“I only had direct contact with Barcelona, speaking to the director, Deco. I had to check his profile picture to see if it was really him.
“Of course we were pleased with Barcelona’s interest, but they were looking for a replacement for Busquets and I immediately told my son that he is not that type of player. He doesn’t have the characteristics they wanted, and before he knew it, he would have ended up on the bench.”
Reijnders has since gone on to become an important player for both Milan and the Netherlands, even starring in different midfield roles for club and country.
