Diogo Dalot Discusses Gonçalo Ramos and Rafael Leao for Milan
Diogo Dalot knows what it means to wear the red and black of Milan, and he believes two of his Portugal teammates are perfectly built for it.
The Manchester United full-back, who spent the 2020-21 season on loan at San Siro, spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about Gonçalo Ramos and Rafael Leao, offering an insider’s view on why the pair belong at the heart of Milan’s project.
Dalot hails Ramos as ‘fantastic signing’
Asked first about Ramos, Dalot didn’t hesitate.
“I think Gonçalo is a fantastic player to have in the team,” he 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.”
For Dalot, that blend of work ethic and character makes Ramos an ideal fit for Milan’s dressing room.
“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. 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.”
Dalot’s words carry the weight of someone who has lived the Milan environment and understands the demands that come with it. In Ramos, he sees a forward ready to embrace that pressure.
A deeper bond with Leao
When the conversation turned to Rafael Leao, Dalot’s tone shifted from admiration to something more personal.
“I've known Leao since I was 15 and I've talked about him many times,” he said. This isn’t just a colleague for Dalot; it’s a long-time friend. “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’s future has been a talking point all summer, with his long-term stay at Milan questioned amid reported interest from Galatasaray. Dalot didn’t address the rumours directly, but he underlined how important the bond between player, club and supporters 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.”
That “partnership” – Leao and Milan, Milan and Leao – has already delivered a league title and countless decisive performances from the winger. Dalot wants that story to run much longer.
“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.”
From a former Rossonero to two current Portuguese stars, the message is clear: Milan is the stage, now it’s up to Ramos and Leao to write the next chapter.
