Diogo Dalot's agent has claimed the Manchester United youngster could have joined a host of top European clubs from Porto last summer but it was his personal preference to move to Old Trafford.
Dalot was one of three signings made by Jose Mourinho during the 56-year-old's final transfer window as United manager and enjoyed a promising debut campaign with the Reds, playing 25 times and heavily influencing their run to the Champions League quarter-finals.
However, it could have been a different story altogether had he decided to join one of Europe's other super clubs instead.
Carlos Goncalves told Portuguese outlet Record how big of a role Mourinho played in bringing Dalot to Manchester after the youngster had undergone knee surgery at the end of the previous season.
“Diogo was injured before [he joined] Manchester United," Goncalves said. "So Jose Mourinho was very important, because making a transfer for a player who has just been operated on involves a lot of courage. And it was Diogo’s choice. It was a case where we had several solutions for him and the player decided where he wanted to play.”
“I can’t say, but they were other great European clubs.”
On Dalot's ambitions for his second campaign in England, Goncalves added: “Unfortunately he again had some minor injuries [at the beginning of this season], now eradicated.
"The first year was good for a 19-year-old at a club like Manchester United and in the Premier League. But of course we hope this year can be a statement year.”
