Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has revealed that he rejected a permanent move to AC Milan in order to compete for a starting spot at Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Milan, appearing in 33 matches across all competitions, including 21 in Serie A.
The Italian giants are thought to have been interested in signing Dalot on a permanent basis in the summer of 2021, but he eventually stayed in Manchester.
The Portugal international replaced Aaron Wan-Bissaka as Man United’s first-choice right-back in the second half of last season, with interim head coach Ralf Rangnick favouring him.
Dalot has held his starting spot this season, contributing one assist in seven appearances, and has proven to be an important player for new head coach Erik ten Hag.
Why Did Dalot Reject Ac Milan Move?
The Portuguese midfielder claimed that he had the option of joining Milan on a permanent basis but chose to stay at Manchester United to compete for a first-team spot.
“Milan are a great club and I loved the season with the Rossoneri. But it (transfer) wasn’t just up to me. In the end I decided to stay at United and it was the right decision,” Dalot said, as quoted by Metro.
“If I’m a better defender I owe it to Milan. Italian football is different from the Premier League and I had to adapt in just one year and playing in Serie A has helped me a lot.
“Over the past two years here in Manchester, the minutes have increased and, consequently, so has self-esteem.”
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Dalot’s current contract at Old Trafford is set to expire next summer, although the club have the option to extend it for another year until June 2023.
Man United are thought to have contemplated signing a new right-back this summer, with Wan-Bissaka considered surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
According to reports, Colombia international Santiago Arias might join the club on a free transfer to bolster Ten Hag’s options in that area of the field.
Dalot played 45 minutes in the Europa League against Real Sociedad on Thursday evening, and he is scheduled to start against Sheriff Tiraspol next week.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, this weekend’s Premier League fixtures have been postponed.
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