Cristiano Ronaldo issues emotional tribute as legendary Sporting Lisbon scout, who brought him to the Portuguese giants, dies aged 77

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Cristiano Ronaldo has led tributes to legendary Sporting Lisbon scout Aurelio Pereira, who has died at the age of 77.

Sporting confirmed Pereira's passing on Tuesday, with the club stating he would be remembered as one of the greatest names in Portuguese football and in the club's history.

Pereira had been responsible for Sporting's youth recruitment network since 1988 and brought several future stars to the club, including Ronaldo and Luis Figo.

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

He would go on to play for one season in Sporting's first team, before his move to Manchester United in the summer of 2002.

Ronaldo shared a photo of him with Pereira on social media, with the Portuguese football legend offering an emotional tribute.

Cristiano Ronaldo issued a tribute to Sporting scout Aurelio Pereira, who has died aged 77

Pereira was responsible for Sporting's youth recruitment and brought Ronaldo to the club at 12

Pereira oversaw the recruitment of several young players, including Ronaldo and Luis Figo

'One of the greatest symbols of world training has left us, but his legacy will live on forever,' Ronaldo wrote.

'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.'

Ronaldo was one of two players discovered by Pereira to go on to win the Ballon d'Or, with Figo achieving the feat in 2000.

Sporting's tribute to Pereira highlighted that 10 of the players he had discovered had been part of Portugal's European Championship winning team in 2016.

'Sporting Clube de Portugal expresses its condolences on the death of Aurélio da Silva Pereira,' a Sporting statement read.

'From Paulo Futre, to Luís Figo or Cristiano Ronaldo, but also to more recent talents, Aurélio Pereira is largely responsible for the careers of several national football figures over the last 40 years.

'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.

'Sporting CP extends its deepest condolences to family and friends, whilst praising and thanking the years of effort, dedication, devotion and glory that Leão has brought to his chest.'

Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca added: 'The death of Aurélio Pereira represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football.

'For history, in addition to the enormous legacy built by the man who discovered some of the best players in our history, there will remain a kind person, of fine manners and who always defended our talent.

'We will have an enormous and eternal debt of gratitude to Master Aurélio Pereira and we will do everything to honor his legacy.

'To the family and friends of Aurelio Pereira, on my behalf and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I send my deepest condolences.'