Portugal boss Fernando Santos has explained that Diogo Dalot's performances on loan with AC Milan are the reason behind the defender's call-up to his nation's Euro 2020 squad.
Dalot came into the squad late as a replacement for Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo, who tested positive for coronavirus just two days before Portugal's opening fixture against Hungary.
The United man comes into the squad on the back of featuring in the U21 European Championship, featuring in the defeat to Germany in the final only last week.
It presents the 22-year-old with an opportunity to make a statement ahead of a potential permanent departure from Old Trafford.
Dalot spent the recent campaign on loan with AC Milan, who are keen on landing his services on a permanent basis, but discussions regarding a deal will now have halted due to Dalot's call-up.
Speaking after the defender's introduction to the squad, Santos explained that the reason behind his selection was due to his recent performances.
"It's do with his quality and the fact he’s been playing competitively up until very recently. There's some players as good as Diogo who haven’t been competing and it would be difficult for them to come in," he explained.
Dalot featured 21 times for Milan in their Serie A campaign, helping the San Siro side secure a spot in the Champions League next season.
Speaking last month, he admitted that he did not know what was on the cards for his future beyond the end of his loan with Milan.
“I say that I had a fantastic year and met beautiful people. It was a real pleasure to play for Milan but now I think about the Euros and I really don’t know [on his future] what will happen.”
