Diogo Dalot has admitted that he still follows AC Milan, six years after spending the 2020/21 season there on loan from Manchester United.
Diogo Dalot came up against his former side in United’s pre-season meeting with Milan in Wroclaw on Saturday. The game also gave him the chance to see some old team-mates again and look back on a spell that he considers hugely important to his career.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the United defender had plenty of good things to say about his time at San Siro.
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Diogo Dalot grateful for AC Milan spell
Dalot believes his season in Italy came at an important point in his development. He credits AC Milan with helping him regain confidence and reach another level as a player.
“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.”
The Portuguese defender clearly hasn’t forgotten the people or places that made the year special.
“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.”
Dalot also remains in contact with several people from his time at the club. He mentioned former coach Stefano Pioli, as well as a number of his old 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.”
Dalot chose Manchester United over Milan return
Milan wanted Diogo Dalot to stay after his loan spell, and the player confirmed that a permanent return was an option.
“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.”
Ultimately, though, the defender had unfinished business in Manchester.
“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.”
That decision has kept Dalot at Old Trafford, but it hasn’t ended his connection with AC Milan.
With Ruben Amorim now in charge of Milan and Rafael Leao also part of the squad, Dalot expects to keep a close eye on his former club.
“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.”
He added that his interest goes beyond the Portuguese connection.
“But as for me, I’ve always followed Milan.”
