Cristiano Ronaldo remains an influential figure for Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot, despite no longer being a team-mate at the club.

The Portuguese striker left MU in December 2022 after a candid interview with Piers Morgan. The remainder of his contract with the Red Devils was cancelled, leading to CR7’s move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

Although Dalot and Ronaldo no longer share the same dressing room regularly, Ronaldo still tries to guide the defender’s career. According to The Athletic, the pair still keep in touch and both hope to have a big impact on the Portuguese national team at EURO 2024.

A source speaking to The Athletic said: “Cristiano Ronaldo has had a big impact on him. Diogo admires Cristiano a lot, but in a good way, for being a top footballer and now they are friends.”

Ronaldo has spoken out about Dalot’s abilities in the past, especially in his interview with Morgan. He confirmed that the former Porto star can have a long and successful career. Ronaldo said: “If you ask me what I see in Man United, Diogo Dalot is an example. He is young but very, very professional. And I don’t doubt that he will have longevity in football because He’s young, smart and very professional.”

Meanwhile, Dalot also praised Ronaldo and the advice the superstar gave him both at Old Trafford and when they played together for Portugal. The defender told ESPN: “I mean, he’s helped me a lot off the field. Whether it’s the way he conducts himself day-to-day, I think the discipline he’s had throughout his career has given me a lot. I’m happy to play with him and be his teammate. He’s helped me a lot.”

“I’ll keep some things to myself but overall his discipline is what impressed me the most. Because you can be consistent, but you can be consistent in a bad way, and he’s a disciplined and consistent in a good way. That’s what I learned the most from him.”

Dalot, 24 years old, has become a key player for Man United and Ten Hag. After a difficult first few seasons at the club after arriving from Porto, he was loaned to Italian giants AC Milan. He has returned to compete for a starting position in recent seasons. The current season is arguably Dalot’s best at Old Trafford. Dalot has made 32 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils this season and scored twice, performing consistently well.