Diogo Dalot Praises Gonçalo Ramos and Rafael Leao at Milan
Diogo Dalot knows what it means to wear the red and black of Milan, and he knows the two Portuguese forwards now carrying part of that responsibility even better.
The Manchester United full-back, who spent the 2020-21 season on loan at San Siro, has offered a glowing endorsement of Gonçalo Ramos and Rafael Leao, insisting both are perfectly placed to drive Milan towards silverware this season.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by MilanNews.it, Dalot started with Ramos, whose arrival has added fresh firepower to the Rossoneri attack.
“I think Gonçalo is a fantastic player to have in the team,” Dalot said, highlighting not just the striker’s goals but his attitude. “The way he works, the way he trains, the way he behaves, the way he's always ready to help the team. I believe he's been a fantastic signing for the club and I'm really happy he's had this opportunity, because it's a fantastic club.”
Dalot’s time in Milan left a mark, and he’s convinced Ramos will feel the same pull of the place.
“I think he'll really enjoy his time in Milan and I hope he can help the club achieve success and fight for every trophy this season,” he added.
If Ramos is the new face of Portugal at Milan, Leao is already the symbol. Dalot’s tone shifted when the conversation moved to the winger, whose future has been the subject of transfer speculation this summer amid reported interest from Galatasaray.
“I've known Leao since I was 15 and I've talked about him many times,” Dalot said. This was no generic praise; it sounded like a long friendship laid out in public. “He's a great person, a great human being with a big heart, as well as being a fantastic footballer. That's what makes him special, and I think Milan's fans recognise that too.”
Leao has grown into one of the club’s reference points, and Dalot underlined how vital the bond between player, fans and club environment has become.
“For all the years he's been there playing for the club, I think it's important for him to also feel that the fans like him and that the whole environment around him cares for him. And I think in recent years it's been a fantastic partnership.”
Dalot didn’t dodge the bigger picture. With Leao repeatedly linked away, his hope is crystal clear.
“So I really hope he can continue to be successful there, win more trophies, and be one of the best players the club has ever had.”
Two Portuguese forwards, one Portuguese full-back looking on from Manchester, and a club that expects to compete for every trophy. Milan’s next chapter may well be written with their language.
