Euros and Copa America are both in the last stages and many Manchester United have seen their journey end while others continue to live to fight another day.
It was always going to be a double-edged sword for United, as eliminated players would get more rest but the sadness of failure can concentrate the minds of driven individuals.
A pair that was not expected to return anytime soon due to the “favourites” tag on their country was that of Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.
Portugal walked into Euros as one of the teams to beat but they were knocked out by France in a penalty shootout as both Dalot and Fernandes played crucial rules.
Dalot shares emotional message
Dalot went on Instagram after Portugal’s elimination and gave a rallying cry to Portuguese fans, thanking them for their unwavering support throughout.
He acknowledged that the team fell short of expectations but promised a better future ahead, saying that “we will dream again together”.
Here is his message in full in English: “We bid farewell to our course with our heads held high and proud, even though we knew that the goal was to go further. A special thank you to the entire Portuguese entourage, to our entire group, but above all to YOU, Portuguese fans, who made us feel special and gave a wonderful picture of our country, inside and outside the stadiums.
We will dream again together Portugal 🇵🇹❤️💚”
Dalot’s evolution into a leader
The signs were there even in the concluded wretched season for United, but Dalot has well and truly emerged as a leader of the dressing room.
He is a far cry from the uncertain teenager United brought from FC Porto who couldn’t be relied upon consistently. He has matured into one of the most consistent players from both club and country and his importance is ever-increasing.
At Old Trafford, he could be regularly seen cajoling his teammates in times of despair, something he did with Portugal as well. When things are going well, he is the first one to embrace his teammates and revel in their success.
Thanks to his evolution as a player, right-back is no longer a problem position for United as he has grabbed the position by the scruff of its neck and made it his own.
Both Portugal and United can look forward to many years of the player excelling for club and country. Who knows, maybe even United’s captaincy goes from one Portuguese to another in a few years’ time!