Football legend, Cristiano Ronaldo, has reacted to the death of Aurelio Pereira, Sporting CP’s former head of recruitment.
The former football chief, who passed away at the age of 77, discovered Cristiano Ronaldo.
Aurelio founded Sporting CP’s recruitment and training department in 1988 in a bid to unearth the best talent in the country.
Apart from Ronaldo, he founded 10 players in the Portugal squad that won Euro 2016.
Ronaldo, understandably, was saddened by the news of the scout’s death.
Ronaldo, now 40 and plays in Saudi Arabia, took to Instagram to pay homage to Aurelio.
“One of the greatest symbols of world training has left us, but his legacy will live on forever.
“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,” wrote Ronaldo.
Aurelio was awarded the Medal of Sporting Merit by the City of Lisbon in 2017.