Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute after death of former coach who discovered him

Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to Aurelio da Silva Pereira, his former coach and the legendary Sporing CP scouting director who passed away Tuesday aged 77. He was known for discovering and nurturing big names in the world of football.

Responsible for Portuguese football club Sporting CP’s youth recruitment since 1988, Pereira is credited with developing some of Portugal’s finest footballers, from the likes of Paulo Future, Luis Figo, Nani, Ricardo Quaresma and Ronaldo, two of whom won the Ballon d’Or, football’s highest award.

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The Al Nassr captain paid tribute to his former coach with a post on social media.

“One of the great icons of world formation has left us but his legacy will live on forever,” Ronaldo said on Instagram.
He added: “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.”

Ronaldo was just 12 years old when Pereira recruited him from Nacional’s youth ranks in 1997.

He made his professional debut at Sporting CP in 2002 before moving to Manchester United football club after one season. Ronaldo has since gone on to win 33 senior titles, captained Portugal to the Euro 2016 glory and to the inaugural UEFA Nations League crown. He has won five Ballon d’Ors and countless other footballing awards.

Pereira is also considered responsible for Portugal's greatest football achievement, winning the Euro 2016 championship, as the winning squad featured 10 players he discovered, which earned the team the nickname “The Aurelios,” Sporting CP said in a statement.

“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 club said.

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