According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Dalot spoke about former teammates such as Gonzalo and Rafael Leão in a previous interview.
Six years have passed since Diogo Dalot donned the AC Milan jersey in the 2020-21 season, but he maintains strong ties with the Rossoneri. On Saturday in Wrocław, he played a friendly against Milan with Manchester United, where he met up with old friends like Leão. He also mentioned Gonzalo Ramos, whom Milan signed, believing he could help the team improve their Serie A form.
What memories do you have of your time in Milan and the city of Milan?
"My time at Milan was definitely one of the most important seasons of my career. The way the club accepted me and the welcome I felt during that very important year for me left a deep impression on me. That year I needed to regain my confidence in football, and the club helped me get back to that level. So Milan will always be a city and a club in my heart. I remember all the experiences I had in Milanello, in the city, in the city center, and I remember the games at the San Siro. They hold a special place in my heart. I consider that city and that team a truly important part of my career."
Which of your former AC Milan teammates do you still keep in touch with?
“I still keep in touch with some teammates and staff. Pioli was my coach at the time, and we exchanged a few messages. Later, I also had the opportunity to talk to Donnarumma when he joined Manchester City. Now we're in the same city again. Tonali has also come to the Premier League. Yes, I established good relationships there and have kept in touch with some teammates ever since.”
After leaving Milan, did you ever have the chance to go back? Why didn't it happen in the end?
“Yes, of course, that’s an option, and the club really wants me to stay. I had a fantastic season there and was very happy at the club. But at the same time, I really want to go back to Manchester and experience what I’m going through right now. So it’s always been on my mind. I really want to go back and succeed at Manchester United.”
Gonzalo Ramos is your national team teammate. Was signing him a good deal for Milan? Can he make an impact in Serie A?
“I think Gonzalo is the kind of player who would be a great fit for the team. Whether it’s his work ethic, training methods, on-field performance, or the way he always wants to help the team, it’s all the same. I think this is a fantastic signing for the club, and I’m really happy that he got this opportunity because Milan is a great club. I believe he will enjoy his time at Milan, and I hope he can help the club achieve success and fight for every trophy this season.”
You know Leo very well. What blessings would you send him?
“I’ve known Leo since I was 15 and have talked about him many times. He’s a very good person, a kind-hearted and generous person, and also a very good player. That makes him stand out, and I think Milan fans can see that too. He’s been playing for the club all these years, and I think it’s important for him to feel loved by the fans and by everyone around him. I think he and Milan have been a fantastic combination over the past few years. So I sincerely hope he continues to succeed there, wins more titles, and becomes one of the greatest players in the club’s history.”
With three Portuguese players in the team – Amorim, Ramos, and Leão – will you be cheering for Milan more this year?
“I think this is perfectly normal. Whenever a club has a lot of Portuguese players, even just a few, you’ll always take a second look. But for me, I’ve always followed Milan. It doesn’t mean that I’ll watch more just because there are more Portuguese players, but it certainly makes things more special. Being able to see Portuguese players and coaches at a club I love so much will make me watch the screen more and pay more attention to their games this season.”
Did you and Portugal feel disappointed with the World Cup results?
"Of course, the final result is disappointing because our goals were higher. I think we have the ability to do more than we actually have. But sometimes, that's part of football. Talent and quality alone aren't enough to win these kinds of competitions; you always need something extra. I think we have to figure out exactly what we're missing to compete in these kinds of competitions. However, it's also a learning process and an opportunity for us as a country and as a team to reflect. I hope we can do better in the upcoming matches, go further, and ultimately win them."
What are your expectations for Manchester United this season?
"It remains the same: do your best, help the club as much as possible, keep yourself in top mental and physical condition, and create the energy the team needs to compete for every competition and every trophy. I think that's the most basic thing for this club – to think about winning every game every season. I think we're building something special. Hopefully, we can do that this season and continue to fight for those goals at the end of the year."
What is your biggest dream?
"Ultimately, we all have dreams, professional and personal goals. But when it comes to football, my goal is of course to win something for this club, to win a major trophy while wearing this jersey. So I hope to achieve that this year and bring the club back to where it belongs. I think we have a very good chance of doing that."
