Diogo Dalot has revealed that Rafael Leao helped him settle in at the club as he declared that AC Milan have a ‘special team’.
Dalot was brought in by Milan ahead of the season as they needed a full-back that could play on both sides of the defence. Thus far, it has been a season of ups and downs for the Portuguese youngster, hard to evaluate.
The 22-year-old has indeed played a lot for the Rossoneri but it has mostly been on the left-hand side of the defence, and that’s perhaps not where he should play in the long run. For the fans, therefore, it has been tough to make a decision on him.
Dalot’s loan at Milan will expire in the summer and there isn’t a buy-out clause in favour of the San Siro side, meaning negotiations with Manchester United would be needed to keep him beyond the end of the season.
Dalot spoke to MilanTV during an interview conducted by Giorgia Tavella, with his comments transcribed by MilanNews and translated below.
On his family: “It was easy for me to decide to live with my family. I always want them by my side and since I was in Manchester my mother has followed me. She is a teacher and will soon return to Portugal to work. Now I have grown up. It is clear that mum is always mum and she helped me a lot, especially when I left home at 18. I traveled a lot with them in Europe.”
On his relationship with team-mates: “When I had the opportunity to arrive at Milan I talked a lot with Rafa (Leao) and he told me that there was a special team here and a beautiful country. And it’s the truth. He helped me a lot and reassured me.”
On what he does in free time: “I go out with my dog Junior and play a bit on the playstation. In the evening I go to bed early, around 10.30pm / 11pm because I am dead tired. Before going to sleep I spend a while with my mother and my dog in front of the TV. Since I arrived in Italy, my favorite dish has been pasta. “
