Jacinto Teixeira, father of the Portuguese national team and Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot, spoke about the unique relationship between his son and the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo. According to him, simple childhood interest and admiration over time grew into a strong professional friendship. This relationship has reached a new level, especially since Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford. News agencies Goal.com reported this.
For Dalot, who is currently competing in a major tournament with Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo is not just a teammate, but a role model for life. In an interview with O Jogo, the player’s father noted that posters of Cristiano Ronaldo still hang in his son’s room. This means the young defender’s devotion to his idol.
Side by side with your idol
“Cristiano has always been Diogo’s idol. Although he doesn’t live with us now, I still have photographs of Ronaldo pasted behind the cabinets and doors in his room,” says the player’s father. In his opinion, Ronaldo may have seen his youth in Dalot – especially the qualities of hard work, responsibility and resilience.
The closeness between Dalot and Ronaldo is evident not only off the field, but also during the game. For example, after Cristiano Ronaldo scored a goal against the Uzbekistan national team, many noticed how he ran up to the bench specifically to hug Dalot. This moment became an unforgettable event for the player’s father.
According to statistics, since the Euro 2020 tournament, these two players have appeared together in Portuguese colors 28 times. Interestingly, Dalot only provided one assist on one of Ronaldo’s 145 international goals. However, their understanding on the field is highly valued.
Competition and discipline
Diogo Dalot is distinguished not only by his talent, but also by his discipline. He strictly follows Ronaldo’s advice on nutrition and physical recovery. This greatly helps his growth as a professional. Eight seasons of experience at Manchester United have transformed him into a versatile defender capable of playing on both flanks.
Although Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez now trusts Joao Cancelo more on the right flank, Dalot is ready to enter the field at any moment. His father said his son is in excellent physical and mental condition and believes he will secure a place in the starting line-up for the tournament.