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Man Utd's star's surprise homeless charity visit

Diogo Dalot crouches over next to where a man is sitting on a chair holding the collar of a dog. A woman stands on the man's left. All three are smiling at the camera.Zohaib Alam/Lifeshare

Manchester United star Diogo Dalot's surpise visit to a local homeless shelter was "a real mood lifter" for people finding it tough this Christmas, the charity has said.

The Portuguese defender, a £19m signing from Milan, surprised visitors with clothing and food donations at Lifeshare, a homeless charity in Manchester city centre.

He and his partner then spent Christmas Eve dishing out hot meals to more than 100 people.

Dalot, 25, said: "Unfortunately, homelessness is on the rise - as a family we want to raise awareness and also directly help people wherever we can."

Diogo Dalot stands among a group of women plus one man. They have their arms around each other and are smiling. Some wear yellow t-shirts or aprons that read 'Lifeshare'Zohaib Alam/Lifeshare

He added: "I have lived in Manchester for over six years now and I'm proud to call this city my home.

"The volunteers that I have met here today are really inspirational, they are true heroes and it was a pleasure to learn about their dedication.

"I'm really grateful that I was able to spend time with them and play a small part in helping to deliver such vital work for the people that they support."

Jahan Hussain, trustee at Lifeshare, said: "Following a really difficult year, where Lifeshare even faced closure during its 40th anniversary, support like this is literally life-saving.

"Diogo and his wife were brilliant and got stuck in – it was a real mood lifter for all."

Lifeshare is hosting its annual Christmas Project, a week-long event which sees the charity open its doors from 7am to 7pm until Friday to anyone in need of shelter, food and companionship.

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