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Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to the legendary Sporting CP scout Aurelio Pereira who passed away at 77.
Cristiano Ronaldo was 12 years old when Aurelio Pereira recruited him for Sporting CP. (AP Photo)
Legendary Sporting CP scout Aurelio Pereira passed away on Tuesday at the age of 77. Pereira was responsible for Sporting’s youth recruitment since 1988. Cristiano Ronaldo paid a heartfelt tribute to the former coach on Instagram.
“One of the greatest symbols of world youth training has left us, but his legacy will live on forever,” Ronaldo wrote. “I will never stop being grateful for everything he did for me and for so many other players. Until forever, Mr. Aurélio, thank you for everything. Rest in peace,” he added.
Pereira brought teenagers Paulo Futre, Luis Figo and Ronaldo to Sporting CP. All three went on to represent Portugal on the international level, while Figo and Ronaldo even won the Ballon d’Or award after moving overseas.
“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,” the Sporting CP said in an official statement.
“Sporting CP extends its deepest condolences to family and friends, whilst praising and thanking the years of effort, dedication, devotion and glory that Leão has brought to his chest,” it added.
Ronaldo was 12 years old when Pereira recruited him for Sporting CP. The future Euro winner joined the Portugal side from Nacional’s youth ranks in 1997.
He didn’t make his professional debut for the Lisbon outfit until 2002. After spending one season at the club, Ronaldo moved to Manchester United and joined Sir Alex Ferguson’s star-studded squad.
There he won the Premier League, the Champions League and his first Ballon d’Or crown. Ronaldo went on to win 33 senior titles while guiding Portugal to Euro 2016 glory and a Nations League crown in 2019.
Sporting CP say Pereira was credited with discovering 10 talented footballers who were in the Portugal squad that won the Euros nine years ago.
Pereira also coached the club’s youth squads for 20 years.
Sporting CP even named their academy’s main pitch after him.
It has been decades since Ronaldo left Sporting CP to pursue his ambitions in other leagues. The Portuguese legend is currently plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League and is still going strong at 40.
Ronaldo will next be seen in action when Al Nassr take on Al Riyadh later this week. The match will be played at the Al-Awwal Park on April 12.
