Cristiano Ronaldo mourns the death of the coach who discovered him and several other top Portuguese players
Aurelio da Silva Pereira, who has died aged 77, founded Sporting Lisbon’s recruitment and training department in 1988 and was responsible for developing Portugal’s best players.
The list of players discovered and หากคุณสนใจเล่นพนันออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุด สามารถสมัครสมาชิก UFABET ได้ที่นี่ พร้อมรับโปรโมชั่นพิเศษสำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ nurtured includes Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Nani and Ricardo Quaresma.
“One of the greatest icons of world-class training has left us, but his legend will live on forever,” Ronaldo posted on social media.
“I will never stop thanking him for everything he did for me and so many other players. Aurelio, thank you for everything. Rest in peace.”
Aurelio Pereira is partly responsible for Portugal’s greatest footballing success. With the Euro 2016 winning side featuring 10 players he founded, nicknamed the “Aurelios”.
In 2017 he was awarded the Lisbon Medal of Sport and in 2018 UEFA honoured him with the Order of Merit for his contribution to the development of Portuguese and European football.
“The death of Aurelio Pereira represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese Football,” the Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement.
“For history, in addition to the enormous legacy built by the man who discovered some of the best players in our history. There will be a kind person, of fine treatment and who always defended our talent.”
Sporting – for whom Aurelio Pereira played and later coached. After returning from Lisbon rivals Benfica – named their academy’s main pitch after him.
“He was a master in his field and a person everyone agreed upon,” Sporting said in a statement.
“He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest names in the history of national football and. Above all, in the history of Sporting Clube de Portugal.”