Diogo Dalot says AC Milan move was the most important step in his career

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Diogo Dalot has told a fan Q&A that joining AC Milan was the biggest step in his career, rather than actually joining Manchester United.

Dalot meant no slight on Manchester United with his comments, simply explaining that his 2020 loan move to AC Milan was the moment when he really began to progress as a footballer.

United had signed Dalot from FC Porto in 2018 under Jose Mourinho for £19 million, who tipped him to become one of the best right-backs of his generation.

However, Mourinho was fired within months, with Dalot’s start impacted by injuries, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer never really took a shine to him, preferring to play Ashley Young, and then signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Dalot hails AC Milan move

By time the 2020/21 season came around, Dalot was not in Solskjaer’s plans and he spent the season on loan at AC Milan.

Speaking to the club website, Dalot said: “I think it was probably the most important step of my career so far. I think it was the time for me to regain, first of all, match fitness because I was not playing when I was here.

“When you speak about Italian football, you always think of the defensive mindset, the tactical battle. They look very much into the details tactically and I think it brought me a little bit more knowledge about the game.

“I’m also a guy who wants to learn and ask about things. I had a good connection with the manager back then and I was always asking questions and trying to learn more things, so I think it was good for me to learn a bit more.”

Dalot said he felt like the Milan move rejuvenated him from both a fitness and mental perspective, setting him up for his Manchester United comeback.

The right-back began to kick on under Ralf Rangnick last season, and has reached a whole new level under Erik ten Hag, looking sharper defensively and in attack.

Dalot wants to sign new United deal

Speaking separately to The Mail, Dalot expressed his desire to sign a new long-term contract with Manchester United.

The club recently extended Dalot’s contract by a further 12 months to run to June 2024, and talks are ongoing about a longer term deal.

Dalot said: “We are in a position to say that we are negotiating and seeing how both parties will benefit, but it is no secret that I am happy to be here, so we will see how things go.

“‘I love this club and I love to play for this club. Progressively we are in a good direction as a team. For me, this is the most important part and hopefully individually I can continue to help the team as I am doing.”