Diogo Dalot has unsurprisingly revealed that his footballing idol is Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, the young-full back insists it isn't just because they both hail from Portugal and is instead due to Ronaldo's incredible work ethic.
“My answer will be a little bit shocking for everyone,” Dalot joked to SoccerBible Magazine, via Manchester United's official site.
“Ronaldo, for me, was the main one. He was my idol from day one. Not because he’s Portuguese, or his style of playing, but for his hard work. When you think of an athlete, a complete athlete, a complete footballer, you need to choose Cristiano.
“For me, he was the main inspiration to start playing football. Not because I want to be like him, I want to take my own path, but to get to know him and see how he works is unbelievable.”
Dalot enjoyed a successful debut season in England after his £20m switch from Porto in the summer.
After missing the start of the campaign through injury he soon forced his way into the first team picture, making 23 appearances, and impressing fans with his direct, attacking style.
He also showed his worth by being versatile enough to be played at either right-back, left-back of even on the right-wing, but Dalot insists there's more hard work to be done.
“Of course it’s hard to get to a big team but then it’s harder to stay there because you are competing with a lot of footballers that are such hard workers.
“When you get to the big clubs, to the big leagues, you know that every day you need to get better and better and better. For me, I think the hard work is the main thing. Work hard and stay humble.”
