Aurélio Pereira discovered talents such as Figo, Futre and CR7
Aurélio Pereira, former head of Sporting’s recruitment department, died on Tuesday at the age of 77, the Portuguese club has announced.
“Sporting Clube de Portugal expresses its sorrow at the death of Aurélio da Silva Pereira, the unmistakable Mr Training, Member 3,226-0, who passed away this Tuesday at the age of 77,” reads the club’s official website.
A former “Lions” player, Aurélio Pereira became a coach at Futebol Benfica, before returning to Sporting, where he created and led the Recruitment and Training Department.
Throughout his career, he was responsible for discovering footballers such as Luís Figo, Paulo Futre and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“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 added.
