"Being with him so much of the time, that passed on to me" - Manchester United man details Cristiano Ronaldo influence in recent upturn of form
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has credited Cristiano Ronaldo for his impressive run of form this season. The Portuguese full-back has shone despite the Red Devils' disappointing season as a collective.
Dalot, 25, explained how working alongside someone as obsessed with the sport as Ronaldo, 39, has paid off. He told the club's official website:
"I had the life experience to work with someone who was completely obsessed about it. By being with him so much of the time, that passed on to me."
Dalot, 25, has starred for Erik ten Hag's side, a bright spark in a season to forget. He's made 48 appearances across competitions, bagging two goals and five assists. The 17-cap Portugal international has displayed versatility, moving to left-back to deal with a nightmare injury curse.
The former FC Porto youngster feels he's now got himself into a routine that is reaping its benefits:
"I think I created this routine where I have to take some time every single day to recover, to work on my mental part as well, my physical part. It’s all a routine now."
Dalot spent a season and a half playing with Ronaldo at Manchester United. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner rejoined the Red Devils in August 2021 and departed in November 2022.
Many regard Cristiano Ronaldo as the most dedicated athlete in the history of football. His work ethic has helped him become the all-time greatest goalscorer at club and international level.
The Al-Nassr superstar has bagged 757 goals and 237 assists in 1009 club games. The United legend is also Portugal's all-time top scorer with 128 goals and 46 assists in 206 caps. He's won titles in England, Spain, and Italy and became the first player in history to win five UEFA Champions League trophies.
Cristiano Ronaldo tipped Manchester United star Diogo Dalot for a bright future
Cristiano Ronaldo made a controversial exit from Old Trafford when he gave an explosive interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan. The Portuguese icon slammed the club's manager Ten Hag, owners, and facilities.
However, Ronaldo did have fond words for Dalot when asked which of the current Manchester United squad has potential. He told Talk TV in late 2022:
"In Manchester United I can mention Dalot, he's young, but very professional but I don't doubt that he's going to have longevity in football because he's young, he's smart, intelligent and he's very professional."
Ronaldo still plays with Dalot at international level and the Red Devils right-back has been a prominent member of Roberto Martinez's side. He earned six caps during Selecao's Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.