Diogo Dalot has made it clear that he has no interest in simply being part of Manchester United’s rebuild.
The Portugal international wants to be one of the players who helps take the club back to the level he remembers watching as a youngster.
Diogo Dalot has been at Manchester United through some difficult years, with the club struggling to seriously challenge for the biggest prizes. But rather than looking elsewhere, the defender remains focused on helping United return to the top.
Dalot struggled at the club when he came as an 18-year-old, but a loan move to AC Milan put his career back and since then he has been a solid option for Manchester United.
Speaking to ESPN, Dalot said: “I want to be a part of the team that puts Man United back on top because that’s what I’ve watched from this club growing up. They were winning, competing, having the best players in the world, and I want to be a part of it.”
That ambition also explains why Dalot sees his own future at Old Trafford differently from some players who may become frustrated with the club’s current position.
Diogo Dalot wants to stay and build at United
Diogo Dalot insisted that when he committed his future to United, he did so because he believed it was the right place for him.
“I cannot speak for everybody, but what I try to do with myself is to think about what I want to achieve, where I want to go.”
He added: “When I sign for the club, I don’t sign it thinking that in two or three years I’m going to leave. I signed because this is the best place to be. You’re being a part of a club that can be the biggest club in the world.”
The defender accepts not every player will feel the same way. For Dalot, though, the challenge is something he wants to embrace.
“If there are players that during this time don’t relate to that or don’t feel that’s what they need or what they want, then I can only say good luck and try to do that somewhere else.”
Premier League and Champions League are the target
Dalot isn’t hiding what success would look like for him at United.
“For me, it’s winning the Premier League, winning the Champions League.”
The 27-year-old pointed out that he has never experienced a genuine Premier League title challenge during his time at the club.
“It would be the biggest achievement of my life probably, to be a part of something that would put this club fighting for those competitions because, to be completely honest, it’s where this club should be.”
And there is more driving him than simply lifting trophies. Dalot wants to be around when United finally reach that point again.
“I know that if we get to that stage of getting close, I think we will create something around the club. That’s what feeds me the most is to do whatever I can to be a part of it and hopefully get to that moment.”
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