Diogo Dalot Expresses Aspiration for Silverware with Manchester United
Diogo Dalot has experienced his fair share of challenges and successes at Manchester United, which includes a stint at AC Milan a few years back. That period proved beneficial for his career, allowing him to gain valuable playing time with the Rossoneri before returning to Old Trafford as a dependable squad member.
The defender represented Portugal in the World Cup, marking significant progress since his time in Italy. Recently, he spoke with La Gazzetta dello Sport about his long-term ambitions with Manchester United.
“My goal is to win something with this club, to win a major trophy in this shirt,” he stated. Dalot expressed his confidence that the current season presents a solid opportunity for the club to reclaim its status.
He mentioned his approach going into each season: “Always the same – trying to be the best version of myself, trying to help the club as much as possible and being in the best mental and physical condition to help the team.” Dalot stressed the importance of believing that Manchester United can compete for every trophy, stating, “I believe we’re creating something special. I hope we can do it this season and get to the end of the year fighting for those goals.”
Dalot also keeps in touch with former teammates from Milan. “I still have contact with my teammates and some of the staff,” he noted, discussing exchanges with coach Stefano Pioli and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. He expressed fondness for the relationships he built while in Italy.
Looking back on his loan period at Milan, Dalot acknowledged that there were discussions about a permanent stay. “The club really wanted me to stay. But at the same time, I really wanted to return to Manchester and experience the moment I’m experiencing right now,” he said, emphasizing his desire for success with Manchester United.
Throughout his time at Old Trafford, Dalot has added the FA Cup, the League Cup, and a Europa League appearance to his achievements. Last season, he appeared in 34 Premier League matches, including games under Milan manager Ruben Amorim. Now, he aims to take a significant step forward in his career by consistently winning trophies under the guidance of coach Michael Carrick.
Diogo Dalot has faced a fair share of ups and downs during his time at Manchester United and the versatile full-back even had a spell at Milan some years ago.
That helped his career quite a bit, as he used the game time at the Rossoneri to return to Old Trafford and become a reliable squad player for the Red Devils.
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The defender also played at the World Cup for Portugal, having come a long way since his time in Italy.
Dalot has now spoken to La Gazzetta dello Sport and was asked about his long-term goals with Manchester United.
He said: “I mean, we all have dreams, we all have goals in our careers, both professionally and personally. But obviously, speaking of football, my goal is to win something with this club, to win a major trophy in this shirt.
“So I hope I can achieve that this year and bring the club back to where it deserves to be, and I think we have a good opportunity to do that.”
The Portuguese revealed he goes into every season with the confidence that Manchester United will win something.
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“Always the same – trying to be the best version of myself, trying to help the club as much as possible and being in the best mental and physical condition to help the team, and then trying to build the energy around me that the club needs to allow us to fight for every competition and every trophy.
“I think that’s the minimum for this club – to approach every season believing we can win every competition. And I believe we’re creating something special. I hope we can do it this season and get to the end of the year fighting for those goals.”
Dalot also revealed that he is still in touch with some of his ex-Milan teammates.
“I still have contact, obviously with my teammates 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.”
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“So now we share the same city again. Tonali, as we know, has arrived in the Premier League. So yes, I built good relationships there and have been in touch with some of my teammates ever since.”
The defender made it clear that there was a possibility of him returning to Milan after his loan ended.
“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. 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.”
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During his time at Old Trafford, Dalot has now won the FA Cup, the League Cup and also featured in the Europa League in 2025. Last season, he played 34 times in the Premier League, also featuring under Milan manager Ruben Amorim.
Now, he would be looking to take the next, big step in his career by winning silverware regularly under Michael Carrick.
Kaustubh Pandey – GIFN
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