Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has spoken of his ‘surreal’ friendship with Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot says Cristiano Ronaldo is the “most influential” person he has met in football, opening up about his friendship with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

The pair first linked up in 2021 when Dalot was called up to Portugal’s squad for the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, with the former Porto man making his international debut in the final group game.

The pair would quickly reunite when Ronaldo re-signed for Manchester United later that summer. Dalot had just returned from a loan spell at AC Milan and is quick to acknowledge the impact his compatriot has had on his game.

“I’ve never said this before, but Cristiano is the most influential person I’ve ever had in football,” says Dalot. Four Four Two. “On and off the field.