Cristiano Ronaldo’s closest Manchester United pal Diogo Dalot has spoken out about the star forward’s departure.
In an interview ran by Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot says the squad tried their best to make Cristiano Ronaldo‘s spell work.
Ronaldo scored 24 goals in his first season back at United, before netting only three times this season before his contract was terminated by mutual consent.
Ronaldo went on to sign with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, while Manchester United are yet to sign a permanent replacement.
Diogo Dalot on Cristiano Ronaldo
Diogo Dalot was close to Cristiano Ronaldo, they were frequently seen training together, with the forward taking the young defender under his wing.
It is no surprise that Dalot is the one United player to come out and speak positively about Ronaldo, when most of the squad have remained silent.
Dalot however says the entire squad had affection for Ronaldo and wanted him to stay and contribute to the team this season.
But he also says he respects the decision of all parties, and is very happy with the way Manchester United have responded.
He said: “We know the quality that Cristiano brings, it was a mutual decision to take different paths and we just have to accept it.
“We wanted Cristiano to be with us. we tried to make the most of the time it was in and it still gave us a lot. We have to live with the decision that was made, look forward and with the weapons we have continue to fight.
“A club like United has to have the ability, if a great player leaves, to find a solution. I think we have proved that we are more than 11 players, we manage to have that versatility.”
The Manchester United defender also went onto refute suggestions Cristiano Ronaldo is not enjoying his new adventure at Al Nassr, where he has scored 12 goals in 13 games.
He added: “He is happy there. I believe he has his dreams, his goals, he took this important step in his career, was to play in another country, in another league, to show, once again, that he has an enormous adaptability and resilience.”
The feeling between Ronaldo and Diogo Dalot is mutual. In the forward’s controversial interview with TalkTV, he picked his compatriot out for praise, commenting: “He is young, but he is very, very professional.”
Manchester United ended up signing Wout Weghorst on loan as a stop-gap to fill in for Ronaldo, and will buy a successor this summer.
Manchester United looking forward
Ronaldo’s mid-season exit has done United a favour in this regard. Behind the scenes the club have had months to prepare for the transfer window, and a striker is a clear top priority.
If Ronaldo were still at the club, some of the club’s energy would be spent on his future, whether that be an inevitable end of season departure, or not.
Getting his exit out the way early has provided some clear focus for the recruitment team to look at incomings in attack, and there really is no excuse if the club get it wrong.
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