"Sporting Clube de Portugal expresses its condolences on the death of Aurélio da Silva Pereira, the unmistakable Mr. Formation, Member 3.226-0, who passed away this Tuesday at the age of 77", reads the club's official website.

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 football players 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", wrote the club.