Portuguese newspaper O Jogo today features Manchester United fullback Diogo Dalot on their front page and a six-page interview.
That was obviously a long chat they had with him, in which the 22-year-old commented on his exit from Porto, his years at Old Trafford, the national team and the current loan spell he’s been having at AC Milan.
One of the topics on his time in England was his friendship with Bruno Fernandes, which is frequently exampled on social media.
“It was fantastic to be able to meet Bruno after his success in Portugal,” Diogo Dalot told O Jogo.
“I think we created a special connection in a short time and we still maintain that connection today. It was, without a doubt, excellent for him to have taken this step, I’m happy to have been present at that moment. I just want the best for Bruno, I wish him the greatest success in the world.”
Dalot also talked about the midfielder’s big impact at the club.
“I think it’s also a little bit the issue of the club where he plays. Manchester United’s dimension is out of the ordinary, Manchester is ultra-dimensional, it involves the whole world. Having that impact in such a short time was the key to the dimension that he’s having and that he undoubtedly deserves to have. He’s one of United’s great references and I hope that one day he’ll be a great reference for the club. He has everything to be.”
Fullback Alex Telles, who made a similar move from Porto to Manchester United, was a topic in the interview as well. Diogo Dalot claims it’s normal for him to have a period of adaptation, and showed great faith in his potential.
“I have no doubts about Alex’s quality, it’s more than enough to play for United, I believe it was a very good step in his career, and it was deserved. I think it’s a matter of time, he’s a player who does not give up easily.”
“Shaw is having a fantastic season, Alex has had opportunities and grabs them when he has them, makes good games. The conscience has to be calm. Speaking from experience, I know that adaptation is necessary and I have no doubt that when he’s fully adapted and at his best playing level, he’ll get what he deserves at United.”
Dalot also talked about José Mourinho. Since he recently praised the manager, he was now asked if things could’ve been different in case the coach had more time to work at Old Trafford.
“It’s difficult to predict, we don’t know how it would run. What I have to base on is the time I had with him and then without him. With him it was fantastic, it was great to have shared great moments, to be able to have the experience of being coached by Mourinho and to be part of the lot of players coached by him. For me, it’s a huge pride and I just have to thank him for all he has done for me during these months. It’s kept forever.”