Portugal Bids Farewell to Legend Eusebio

The coffin carrying Eusebio was brought into Benfica's Luz Stadium. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Tens of thousands gathered in Potugal's capital Lisbon on Monday to pay their last respects to the footballing legend Eusebio.

Eusebio passed away on Sunday at the age of 71, following a cardiac arrest.

Thousands lined in the streets of Lisbon as the funeral cortege made its way to the Luz stadium, where many more awaited to see the legend for one last time, reported the BBC.

The car carrying the coffin circled the inside of the stadium, as fans of his former team Benfica sang songs and placed flowers.

One banner read "I haven't come to say goodbye, but to say thank you".

Tributes were also paid at a Mass held in the city's Seminary Church and attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho.

Eusebio da Silva Ferreira was born in the former Portuguese colony of Mozambique. He went on to play 64 games for the Portuguese national team, scoring 41 goals, and becoming the 1966 World Cup top scorer.

He won the European Cup with Benfica in 1962 and was named European Footballer of the Year in 1965.

Nicknamed the Black Panther, the Black Pearl, or O Rei (The King) he was known for his speed, technique, athleticism and his ferocious, accurate right-footed shot.

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