Dalot is happy at the direction in which the club is moving forward, which made it an easy choice for him to extend his contract.
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Diogo Dalot has been one of the most improved players of the recently concluded season, which saw him regularly start matches for Erik ten Hag. Under the Dutchman’s management, Dalot’s improvement was visible to everyone. Not only has his defending become solid and consistent but he has also played a key role in the team’s attacking side of things. The Portuguese full-back plays a crucial role in circulating the ball from the back.
This has made him an important part of Erik ten Hag’s set up, as he played regularly for the club this season. His reward was a new long-term deal with the Old Trafford outfit. The contract will see him stay at United until 2028, with an option of an extra year. Dalot is happy at the direction in which the club is moving forward, which made it an easy choice for him to extend his contract, as he is confident of the prospect of a bright future.
“Obviously a part [of the decision] was I looked to the future and the prospects that we have now and wanting to fight for every competition. Also looking back at what made me sign for this club: the passion that I’ve seen, especially from the fans towards me since day one. This love from them made me believe that I can be a really good part of this club for many years and like I said, an extension means that I have this responsibility to keep showing this club that I deserve to be here and that I deserve to play for this badge. I’m really happy to continue to do that,” he was quoted as saying by the club’s website.
Dalot then spoke about the connection that he shares with the manager Erik ten Hag. “Since he signed, since he came, I think the connection that we had was good straightaway. I said many times, I enjoy the way he thinks of football and what he demands from the players. I see myself a lot in that. That’s why I had the opportunity to play a lot of games this season, to show him and to show to the club that I can be a very important part of the club. That’s what I want to keep doing,” he stated.
It is not easy to play for a club as big as Manchester United. The pressure from the supporters and media is quite high, while the competition for places from their own teammates is another challenging task. “To stay at this club, you have to be consistent, you have to do your best every single day to be able to stay here and play games here,” he elaborated.
“Otherwise, as we say in Portugal, you get swallowed by everything: by the pressure, by the media, even by your team-mates that are fighting for the same as you. You have to step up, you have to grow in every aspect of the game and I think, looking back, I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. Even if I’ve had some bumps on the way, that’s what has made me now today strong mentally and physically to fight for this position and to be able to play a lot of games for this club.”
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