Legendary Sporting cp The scout director Aurelio Pereira died on Tuesday at the age of 77, announced the Portuguese club.
Since 1988 responsible for the youth of Sporting Since 1988 has brought Pereira teenagers Paulo Futre, Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo to Lisbon’s clothing.
All three eventually played Portugal While Figo and Ronaldo won Ballon d’An or followed the transition to clubs abroad.
“He will be remembered forever as one of the biggest names in the history of national football and especially in the history of the Portugal Sports Club,” Sports CP The statement said about Pereira.
Ronaldo was only 12 years old when Pereira hired him from the National Youth ranks in 1997.
In 2002 he made his debut at Sporting CP at Sporting CP before he moved Manchester United After one season.
Ronaldo, who won 33 seniors, Captain Portugal to euro 2016 and inaugural UEFA NATIONS League Crown, paid tribute to Pereir.
The Al NASSR captain wrote on Instagram“One of the greatest symbols of world youth training has left us, but his legacy will live forever. I will never stop being grateful for everything he has done for me and for so many other players. To forever, Mr. Aurelio, thank you for everything.
Sporting said Pereira was attributed to the discovery of 10 players who were in the Portuguese team that won the 2016 European Championship in France.
He trained club youth groups for 20 years.
The Portuguese football Federation President Pedro Proença also mourned over the loss of legend.
“The death of Aurelio Pereira represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football,” Proença said.
“In addition to the huge legacy of a man who discovered some of the best players in our history … we will have a huge and eternal debt of gratitude to Aurelio Pereir and do everything to honor his legacy.”
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
