BRIGHTON AND HOVE, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 2, 2017: Liverpool's Andy Robertson takes a throw-in during the FA Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Liverpool FC at the American Express Community Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Andy Robertson’s charitable acts further evidence of Jurgen Klopp’s focus on character

Andy Robertson has explained his approach to the charitable acts that clearly endeared him to Jurgen Klopp ahead of his move to Liverpool.

Robertson made headlines in March when his letter to seven-year-old Alfie Radford, rewarding him for his support of Anfield’s food bank with Roberto Firmino’s match shirt, circulated on Twitter.

“For you to give that up for people who are having a tough time and need some help to get by is absolutely amazing,” he told the youngster.

“Let me tell you now, that is brilliant from you and sets an example to the rest of us that showing a little care and thought for others is really important—it’s also very Liverpool!”

It was a gesture that saw Robertson’s burgeoning reputation on Merseyside enhanced even further, complementing his excellent performances on the pitch.

But in an interview with the Guardian ahead of the Champions League final this week, the left-back dismissed the attention his efforts garnered, insisting it was a natural response:

“It gathered pace [on Twitter] which I didn’t want.

“The food bank is something I’ve always supported because there’s no excuse for anyone to go without food.

“A normal 21st birthday present is a bottle of vodka or champagne and during the season I don’t drink. At the end of the season I have a few beers with my old man.

“So if someone wants to buy me a bottle of vodka I’d rather they donate the £20.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 13, 2018: Liverpool's Andy Robertson celebrates scoring the fourth goal, his first for the club, with team-mates Dejan Lovren and Trent Alexander-Arnold during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-0 and finished the season 4th. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

While Robertson is right to shun publicity, as this can detract from its sincerity, this awareness is not often expected of the modern footballer.

Klopp makes a point of meeting every potential signing before sanctioning a deal, explaining in April that he has a “good feeling for people,” and this was certainly the case with Robertson.

The Scotland international also detailed his tough start to life at Anfield, but a point struck upon by him and his new manager in that they “both had to battle for everything” ultimately saw him secure his place.

It is this sensitivity, and the grasp of life outside of football, that has provided Klopp’s side with their backbone, as both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson highlighted recently.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 13, 2018: Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold pushes a wheelchair with young supporter Louis as the players perform a lap of honour after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-0 and finished 4th. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Alexander-Arnold showed this in his experience of the aftermath of the Illapel earthquake in Chile and his gesture to cerebral palsy sufferer Louis Henry during the Reds’ Anfield lap of honour.

And the captain did so in a wide-ranging interview with the Mail, revealing his selfless approach to life as Liverpool captain.

These are but three examples of the virtue of good character, and as Klopp leads his side to Kyiv on Saturday night it could prove pivotal in the pursuit of a sixth European Cup.

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