Gio Reyna faces the origin of his name: Van Bronckhorst

The world of football has curious stories. One of them is the one starring Giovanni Reyna and Giovanni van Bronckhors. The footballer of Borussia Dortmund and the coach of Glasgow Rangers They share a name and not by chance. Claudia Reynafather of the footballer, played between 1999 and 2001 in the Scottish team together with Van Bronckhors. There they forged a great friendship that led to Reyna to name her son after her friend. The protagonists of this story They will meet again this Thursday as rivals in the Europa League match between Borussia Dortmund and Rangers.

Claudio Reyna and Gio van Bronckhorst parted ways in the summer of 2001 when the Dutchman headed for Arsenal and six months later the American did the same with the Sunderland. The separation did not end their friendship and on November 13, 2002, Van Bronckhorst held the newborn Giovanni Alejandro Reyna in his arms.. Almost 20 years later they have the opportunity to see each other in a stadium, one from the pitch and the other from the sideline. Gio Reyna, 19, can start in Thursday’s game. Haaland’s injury opens the door for the American to accompany Malen on the attacking front. Reyna has participated with a dropper this season. He has only played six games.

Marcos Rosecoach of Borussia Dortmundspoke about the history of the Giovanni at the pre-match press conference: “It’s a very nice story and it’s great that these things happen in football. If Giovanni plays, he will want to show Van Bronckhorst how good he is.”.Van Bronckhorst also spoke about the reunion with Try: “I only played with his father Claudio for two years, but I have always maintained a good friendship with him and with the whole Reyna family. I have known Gio since the day he was born, so I have a special bond with him as a friend, but also as a player.”.

The technician of Rangers He has closely followed the football career of the American and even supported him upon his arrival at Rotterdam: “He came to the Netherlands as a youngster to train in our Feyenoord youth academy, so he was at home with us and we tried to help him become the player he is now. We have always kept in touch and see each other at least once a year. It will be special for both of them to play against each other.”