Manchester City star Ruben Dias has shared what he was “thrilled” to be able to say to Tijjani Reijnders before the Citizens’ Premier League opener at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Manchester City enjoyed a bright start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign as they made light work of Wolves in a 4-0 win at Molineux.
Tijjani Reijnders, one of City’s summer signings, had a debut to remember as he played a part in three of his new team’s goals.
And Ruben Dias, who has just signed a new contract at the Etihad Stadium, has revealed what he said to Reijnders before the match.
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Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, OMar Marmoush and Ruben Dias of Manchester City celebrate 4th goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City at Molineux on August 16, 2025
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Ruben Dias ‘thrilled’ to welcome Tijjani Reijnders to the Premier League
Dias spoke to the City media team after penning a new contract that extends his stay at the Etihad until 2029.
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He spoke of how City’s squad overhaul this year has led to a renewed spark within the dressing room, with everyone hungrier than ever for success.
Dias then said he was “thrilled” to be able to welcome Reijnders to the Premier League, something which made the defender feel like a youngster again.
“I think it’s part of any renewal of a squad,” Dias told the City media team. “New energy, new players.
“I remember even saying to Tijjani before the game (against Wolves) – and I felt thrilled just by saying it – ‘My friend, welcome to the Premier League, you’re going to enjoy it.’
“Because this is the level. This is the dream for everyone.
“Whoever they might be, if you’re a footballer, a top one, and you have ambition and you want to be at the top, this is where you want to end up.
“Even though I’ve just started my sixth season, just saying that to Tijjani made me feel like a young kid that just came in as well.
“And I kind of shared the feeling of being new to all this. That’s the kind of feeling that keeps you winning, keeps you hungry, keeps you focused.
“Between many other things, that’s one of the little details that make the whole difference at the end in which we have to build on.”
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Who could extend Manchester City contract after Ruben Dias
The next Man City player who could sign a new contract is Rico Lewis, with reports claiming he is close to penning a new five-year deal.
Man City are now likely to switch their attentions to John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Ederson over the coming months.
All four players are out of contract at the end of the season.
Man City have another four first-team stars whose contracts expire in two years’ time – Rodri, Phil Foden, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake.