GOALS DEDICATED

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has dedicated his two goals against Celta de Vigo to former superstar Eusebio, who passed away at age of 71. The Portuguese legend is regarded as one of the finest players to have represented the country. He was the top scorer for the Portuguese national team at the 1966 World Cup, which was eventually won by England. As a mark of respect, Real Madrid observed a minute’s silence ahead of the match with Celta de Vigo. They won the match 3-0 with two goals from Ronaldo and Karim Benzema scoring the other.

He is not only regarded as a great player for Portugal, but also one of the best in the world after having scored a goal per game throughout his professional career. He retired from playing after having scored 733 in just 745 matches. He even won the European footballer of the year award in 1965, while he has been hugely successful in his club career by winning the likes of the European cup in 1962. He could have won the famous trophy twice had it not been for the defeat to Manchester United in 1968.

A number of great personalities like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo, and Jose Mourinho said their tributes to the former great. “I dedicate these two goals to you Eusebio but in fact you were the one who scored them. You’ll always be in my heart. We have lost one of the greatest players of all time,” said Ronaldo.

“I think he is immortal. We all know what he meant for football and especially for Portuguese football. He was not only a great inspiration but also an important figure in upholding the values, principles and feelings of football, even after finishing his career,” said Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho after the news of his passing filtered through.