Cristiano turned me into a coffee fan - Dalot

Diogo Dalot is one of Cristiano Ronaldo's closest friends at Manchester United. Both are Portuguese but apart from that, they share a lot of things in common. The young defender revealed one of their pre-match rituals. While Argentineans and Uruguayans drink mate, Dalot and Cristiano enjoy a classic Portuguese tradition - a cup of coffee. And despite not being particularly superstitious, his relationship with his fellow countryman has changed him...

"Every player has their superstitions, but to be honest, I don't have many. It's a fun story but now, before, before the games when we are at the hotel, I always drink my coffee with Cristiano. It's been a routine now - actually, he dragged me into drinking coffee because I was not a big fans of coffee before. But started doing that, just to talk a little bit. Sometimes we have a lot of time on our hands in the hotel and we get out of the room just to talk a little bit and try to focus on the game,” Dalot explained in a interview for United's official web page.

“I listen to my music, I do my preparations - whether it's massages or mobility work, or stretches and be ready for the game,” the ex-Porto player added. It seems that Dalot has helped Cristiano by giving him all the emotional support he needs since his return to Old Trafford this season.

Dalot joined United in 2018 but spent last season out on loan at AC Milan. This season, he started out as a sub but has slowly managed to hold down a starting place. He has made 15 appearances in the Premier League and finding his place in the side, with the help of Cristiano and their coffee rituals...