Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted to the death of Aurelio Pereira, the former head of recruitment at Sporting CP, who discovered him and played a pivotal role in his career.
Aurelio Pereira, who passed away at the age of 77, founded Sporting CP’s recruitment and training department in 1988, with the goal of uncovering the best talent in the country.
Apart from Ronaldo, Pereira discovered 10 players who were part of the Portugal squad that won Euro 2016, cementing his legacy as a renowned scout.
Ronaldo was understandably saddened by the news of Pereira’s death and took to Instagram to pay homage to the scout who helped launch his career.
Ronaldo wrote, “One of the greatest symbols of world training has left us, but his legacy will live on forever.”
He added, “I will never stop being grateful for everything he did for me and for so many other players.”
Ronaldo concluded his tribute by saying, “Until forever, Mr. Aurélio, thank you for everything. Rest in peace.”
Aurelio Pereira was awarded the Medal of Sporting Merit by the City of Lisbon in 2017, in recognition of his contributions to the sport.