Aurelio da Silva Pereira, who died on Tuesday at the age of 77, was almost single-handedly responsible for Portuguese football’s finest hour. Of the squad that won Euro 2016, beating France in the final, as many as 10 players were discovered by the legendary coach and talent scout. Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani both played for Manchester United, while CR7 also emulated Luis Figo, another Pereira discovery, by playing for Real Madrid.
“One of the greatest symbols of world training has left us, but his legacy will live on forever,” said Ronaldo on social media
He himself had been a youth team player for Sporting Clube de Portugal and their great rivals, Benfica. But it was as a coach and talent-spotter that he made his name. In 1988, he was tasked with setting up the Recruitment and Training Department for Sporting. And in the years that followed, the roll call of players who benefited from his guidance also included Simao Sabrosa and Ricardo Quaresma.
“One of the greatest symbols of world training has left us, but his legacy will live on forever,” said Ronaldo on social media. “I will never stop being grateful for everything he did for me and so many other players. Until forever, Mr. Aurelio, thank you for everything. Rest in peace.”
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