Dyer breaks down after Sir Bobby's death
EX-Ipswich Town star Kieron Dyer broke down during a minute's silence in memory of Sir Bobby Robson before his team's game in a Chinese pre-season tournament today.
EX-Ipswich Town star Kieron Dyer broke down during a minute's silence in memory of Sir Bobby Robson before his team's game in a Chinese pre-season tournament today.
The West Ham midfielder expressed his sadness at the news, describing Sir Bobby as a father figure who had a massive impact on his career.
Dyer had played under Robson at Newcastle and learned of his passing just five minutes before the Hammers' Barclays Asia Trophy clash with Beijing Guoan today.
The news proved too much for the England international and he broke down in the minute's silence before being comforted by team-mate Carlton Cole.
“Obviously he was a massive influence in my career, not just on the pitch but also off the pitch," said the 30-year-old.
“I was told five minutes before kick-off so that was a shock to the system. He had beaten cancer so many times I thought he would go on into his 100s but it wasn't to be.
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“At the minute's silence it did overwhelm me. I am just going to look at all the great memories he brought to my life and all the special bits, like in team talks when he used to call me Kevin because he would forget names.
“Hopefully back home instead of a minute's silence they have a standing ovation with a minute's clapping to celebrate his life because what he has brought to the game of football is phenomenal.
“Off the pitch he treated me like a son. We had the Ipswich connection so when he was at Newcastle he made a beeline straight for me.
“He was like a father figure to me and I am going to miss him.”
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola described Robson as a “great ambassador” for football and believes his passing is a big loss to the game.
“He is a man I respected very much. He was always positive and always smiling,” said Zola.
“He has been a great ambassador for football in general and I pay my respects to him. He is a big loss for us.”
