The football world is mourning the loss of Aurelio da Silva Pereira, the renowned coach who discovered and nurtured some of Portugal’s finest players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Nani, and Ricardo Quaresma. Pereira passed away on Tuesday at the age of 77.
Ronaldo paid tribute to Pereira on social media, describing him as “one of the greatest symbols of world training” and expressing gratitude for his guidance and support. “I will never stop being grateful for everything he did for me and for so many other players,” Ronaldo wrote.
Pereira’s legacy extends beyond his impressive discoveries, as he played a significant role in Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory, with 10 players from his academy featuring in the squad. He received numerous accolades, including the Medal of Sporting Merit and the UEFA Order of Merit.
The Portuguese Football Federation and Sporting Lisbon paid tribute to Pereira, praising his contributions to Portuguese football and his kind personality. Nani also shared a heartfelt message, thanking Pereira for his friendship and guidance.
Pereira’s impact on Portuguese football will be remembered for generations to come, and his legacy continues to inspire young players and coaches alike.