Diogo Dalot has revealed that he is still rooting for AC Milan, while he backed Goncalo Ramos to be a big success.
Six years have already passed since he wore the Milan shirt in 2020-21 on loan from Manchester United, but Dalot remains tied to the Rossoneri. On Saturday in Wroclaw, he faced his old in a friendly with the Red Devils and reunited with some former team-mates, including Rafael Leao.
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Among them was also Ramos, whom Milan acquired from Paris-Saint Germain for a club-record fee, which raised some eyebrows. However, Dalot seems very sure that he will become a big success in a red and black shirt.
The defender spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport to reflect on his year with Milan and to give his thoughts on the current state of the club after that entertaining game in Poland on Saturday.
What do you remember about your time at Milan and about Milan?
“I remember that my time at AC Milan was obviously one of the most important seasons of my career. The way the club welcomed me and how welcome I felt during a very important year for me, when I needed to regain confidence in my football, and the club helped me get back to that level.
“Therefore, Milan will always be a city and a club that will stay with me forever. I remember all the experiences I had at Milanello, in the city, the time spent downtown, and of course the games at San Siro, which hold a special place in my heart. And I remember the city and the team as something truly, truly important throughout my career.
Have you remained in contact with any of your former Milan team-mates?
“I still have contact, obviously with my team-mates and some of the staff. Pioli was my coach at the time and we exchanged a few messages, and now I had the opportunity to speak with Donnarumma when he signed for Manchester City. So now we share the same city again.
“Tonali, as we know, has arrived in the Premier League. So yes, I built good relationships there and have been in touch with some of my team-mates ever since.”
After leaving Milan, was there ever a chance of returning? Why didn’t that happen?
“Yes, obviously there was that option, and the club really wanted me to stay. I had a great season there and felt great at the club. But at the same time, I really wanted to return to Manchester and experience the moment I’m experiencing right now.
“So I had this thought in the back of my mind. I really wanted to return and be successful at Manchester United.”
Can Ramos make a difference in Serie A?
“I think Gonçalo is a fantastic player to have on the team. The way he works, the way he trains, the way he behaves, the way he’s always ready to help the team. I think he’s been a fantastic signing for the club, and I’m really happy he’s had this opportunity, because it’s a fantastic club.
“I think he’ll really enjoy his time in Milan, and I hope he can help the club succeed and challenge for every trophy this season.”
You also know Leao well. What do you wish for him?
“I’ve known Leao since I was 15 and have spoken about him many times. He’s a great person, a great human being with a big heart, as well as being a fantastic footballer. That makes him special, and I think Milan fans recognise that too.
“For all the years he’s been there playing for the club, I think it’s important for him to also feel that the fans like him and that everyone around him loves him. And I think it’s been a fantastic combination in recent years.
“So I really hope he can continue to be successful there, win more trophies, and be one of the best players the club has ever had.”
With three Portuguese in Amorim, Ramos and Leao, will you be supporting AC Milan a little this year?
“I think it’s more than natural. When you have a lot of Portuguese players, or even just a few, at a club, you always pay more attention to them. But as for me, I’ve always followed Milan.
“That doesn’t mean that just because there’s more Portugal I’ll follow them more, but it certainly makes it even more special. Having Portuguese players and a coach at a club I love so much will obviously make me watch the TV and follow the matches more often this season.”
The man who gave me more heart attacks than any other Milan RB in the past 30 years.
What you mean buddy?
I’m trying to understand you in perspective.
His lapses in concentration, losing the ball at inopportune moments, his haphazard dribbling. He was a very raw player back when he was on loan with us and it showed.
His time at Milan wasn’t bad at least miles better than Estupid and Emerson nonsense Royal.
Is Calabria better than him if i may ask you?
At one point Calabria nearly retired from football at 28 lol. Barely found a team in time.
I do think that’s harsh though.
Yes he was shakey early on, but you could clearly see that he was N instant upgrade to the RB position and would only get better with proper coaching.
I think if he was that bad, we wouldn’t have desperately wanted to sign him permanently.
It is absolutely harsh, DD is one the best RB we had in the last 15 years.
*one of the best
wow dude.. past 30y?
Emerso LoLyal, Boneror, Walker, Musah, Terraciano, even Sael were worse than him play as RB
Zaccardo…
J