London, Oct 4 (ANI): Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt, who has a reputation for being the ultimate team player on the pitch, is matched by his tireless efforts off it by trying to change lives of people with his simple gestures.

Charity for Kuyt goes beyond collecting his team-mates' signatures and turning up for a couple of charity nights. He's a player who talks like he plays.

Kuyt was hit with a familiar request sitting on a dentist chair: Any chance of a signed Liverpool shirt?" he was asked, the sight and sound of a drill no doubt making the answer a formality.

"My dentist told me his friend's child needed an eye operation in China and they were trying to raise money to send him over there," explained the Dutch striker.

"I handed over a shirt for an auction. I heard recently their fundraising was a success and the child has seen for the first time. I love to hear stories like that," the News of the World quoted him, as saying.

He spent his summer holidays by working in July with disabled youngsters in his hometown of Katwijk, taking as much pleasure from his annual beach soccer event as he has in his 44 Liverpool goals.

The Dirk Kuyt Foundation - set up well before his transfer to Anfield brought fame and wealth - has raised thousands for Aids charities in Africa and South America.

"I think my attitude comes from my upbringing, particularly the fishing village where I'm from. I learned from my parents the value of hard work and doing as much as possible to help other people. My father was a fisherman who started working at 14. He had to do everything to provide for his family. He worked every day until his death when he was 60," said Kuyt. (ANI)