THE legendary scout who discovered football greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo has sadly passed away aged 77.
Aurelio Pereira, the former head of Sporting Lisbon’s recruitment department, died today, the Portuguese club have confirmed.
Aurelio Pereira scouted a young Cristiano Ronaldo
Sporting Lisbon confirmed the news of Pereira’s death on Tuesday
Pereira holding Ronaldo’s youth playing card ID while at SportingInstagram @cristiano
A club statement read: “Sporting Clube de Portugal expresses its condolences on the death of Aurelio da Silva Pereira, the unmistakable, Mr. Formation.
“He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest names in the history of national footballand, above all, in the history of Sporting.”
Born in Lisbon in 1947, Pereira joined Sporting as a youth player, before later signing for Operario FC and Benfica.
After a short stint as a salesman, Pereira was persuaded into helping his brother coach at Benfica– where he went onto lead his sides to several championships.
He was then invited back to Sporting by club icon Hilario, where he would remain for two decades as a youth team coach.
And in July 1988, he opened the Recruitment and Training Department of Sporting CP to develop a national network of scouts to identify young talent.
And the rest history. Pereira went on to discover 2000 Ballon d’Or winner Figo and five-time Ballon d’Or superstar Ronaldo.
The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend was among the first to send his heartfelt condolences and thanked Pereira for his career.
Taking to Instagram, Ronaldo wrote: “One of the great icons of world. Formation has left us but his legacy will live on forever.
“Will never stop being grateful for all he has done for me and so many other players. Forever, Lord Aurelius, thank you for everything. Rest in peace.”
Pereira also was credited for finding Paulo Futre, Simao Sabrosa, Ricardo Quaresma and former Man Utd winger Nani.
In September 2012, Sporting named the club’s academy pitch in his honour.
And five years later in January 2017, he was awarded the City of Lisbon Sports Merit Medal.
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