In an exclusive interview given to The Athletic, AC Milan Portuguese full-back Diogo Dalot has spoken about Ibrahimovic, his goal against Verona, differences between English and Italian football and many other topics. Here are his statements:
On Manchester and the match played at Old Trafford:
"I left something good there. I'm talking about the relationships I have with people. I used to go to the other half of the pitch before the game. It was weird just to see the stadium from that perspective because I was always looking upwards from the Stretford End. But I have to say it was a good feeling to be back."
On the goal against Verona:
"I would say it was the best goal of my career so far. I'm not happy if I finish a season without a goal. I'm a defender and I need to defend well, but an important part of my game is helping the team with goals and assists. It's been a feature of mine since I was young."
On Porto's match against Juve:
"I hadn't celebrated a Porto win like that in a long time. It was something extraordinary. I was here with my girlfriend. My mother was celebrating. It was fantastic how they won. I just feel a little sad for the fans because they weren't at the stadium."
On Ibrahimovic:
"There are times when I see Zlatan and I wonder: how is it possible that a 39-year-old boy is as hungry as someone who is 20 or 21? He has won everything. He has done everything. He amazes me. a 39-year-old player does it every single day, why can't I? He's probably one of the best players ever and you want to play with the best."
On the player who surprised him the most:
"Bennacer, one hundred percent. I didn't know he was that good. I knew he was a good player, but for such a 'small boy' having that quality with the ball and the aggressiveness and intensity that he has, was the biggest surprise."
On Bruno Fernandes:
"Before my arrival at Milan we talked a lot about Italian football. Bruno loved being here. He spoke very well about how they play and it was a big boost for me when I told him I could come to Milan: he said it is a fantastic club historically speaking."
On his position:
"Especially in my last year at Porto, I started playing on the left because we had a couple of right-backs and no suitable left-backs. I felt comfortable. I'm not saying I'm great with my left foot. but I'm fine because my father always told me to play with my left foot. Tactically it's different, your perception of the pitch is completely different. But I love doing it, because I want to be on the pitch playing."
On the differences between English and Italian football:
"In the Premier League you need to have rhythm and intensity and have a little more space and freedom tactically. In Italy you have to think a little more, it's more man to man, so the challenges will always be against an opponent. It's more like a game of chess and it was great to be a part of it and also to understand."
