Dalot: Sir Bobby was an example

Following the tragic news of his sad passing earlier this week, tributes have continued to pour in from the footballing world, as we continue to mourn.

Ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash with FC Copenhagen, Dalot joined manager Erik ten Hag at the pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon, where Sir Bobby's legacy was a natural topic of conversation.

Diogo was asked about the winner he scored during our 2-1 win away win at Sheffield United on Saturday, off the back of comparisons to some of the goals scored by Charlton in his iconic career.

“I mean first [of all] it is a big privilege,” began the Reds defender. “When you combine Sir Bobby's goal and they relate to one of yours, it is always a privilege to hear that. I was fortunate enough to get to know him since I arrived at the club and he would often be there after the games with us, no matter if we won the game or lost the game.

“He was always there to be ready to give you a word of appreciation, he would often say that we have to play a little bit better. But that just represents the standard of the club and the standard that he wanted for this club.

“I think this is something that we have to look back and see, if legends like this got the club to win the best titles, the best games, scoring the best goals, we have to follow those steps. He was one of those that for sure you should follow in his steps.”

Both England and Portugal enjoyed plenty of battles at both international and domestic levels across the years, with Sir Bobby facing off against none-other than Selecao legend Eusebio during our 1968 European Cup final success against Benfica.

Asked on what he knew about Charlton upon arriving at the club, Dalot admitted the legacy of our former players was something he was extremely keen to learn and educate himself about.

“I mean it was something that individually, when I arrived at the club that I tried to know a bit more about the history of the club,'' said the 24-year-old.

“Whether it was the close history or a little bit more long history. Hearing about Sir Bobby [Charlton] was something that you had to hear, no matter what.

“If you were here for one day or for several years, you obviously had to know him. This type of legend is something is someone you should follow. Not just on the impact at the club, but also for English football, for world football he was an example.

“For something like me who likes to follow good examples, he was definitely one of those and he will be present on me for the rest of my career.”