Diogo Dalot has reflected on a ‘very positive year’ at AC Milan on loan from Manchester United, but gave little away about his future.
The 22-year-old was shipped out on loan to Milan by Manchester United last summer on a season-long dry loan, and with the end of the season having come upon us it is time to resolve the defender’s future. While Dalot has struggled for consistent starts in Serie A, he has found plenty of playing time and this has led to suggestions that Milan could look to keep him.
His versatility has been very useful to head coach Stefano Pioli as well, with Dalot having been deployed both as a left-back and a right-back but also further up as a right winger at times, particularly late on in games with a lead.
Dalot spoke at a press conference at the Portugal training camp ahead of the U21 European Championships, with his comments transcribed by MilanNews and translated below.
On his experience in Italy: “Having the opportunity to play in Italy gave me the opportunity to get to know the tactical and cultural context of the Italians. We should expect a very strong Italian national team tactically.”
On his future: “It was undoubtedly a very positive year. Playing in a different country, in another league, with another culture and another type of game. What I mean is that at the moment I am focused on this competition that I am about to play ”
On his favoured role: “I feel more comfortable on the right, but I also feel good on the left. We have several players who can play both left and right. It depends on what the coach decides. We are ready for this ”
On the advice of Zlatan Ibrahimovic: “I get more and more experience with the passing of the seasons and having played in three major European leagues has been very positive. I enjoyed playing in Italy. Playing with Zlatan was very positive, he is one of the best footballers ever and still is.”
