LISBON — Thousands of people lined the streets of Lisbon to catch a glimpse of soccer great Eusebio's funeral procession Monday, a day after the former Benfica striker known as the ‘Black Panther' died of a heart attack aged 71. On the sidewalks of the city's main avenue, hundreds of mourners clapped and waved flowers as the procession passed through, paying their respects to the man described as the “eternal symbol” of Portugal's football pride. As the procession made its way through town, many mourners chanted “Eusebio is our king!.” News agency Lusa reported that more than 10,000 people paid their respects to Eusebio as he laid in state at Benfica's Luz stadium and tributes poured in from Portuguese politicians, soccer players and artists. President Anibal Cavaco Silva declared three days of mourning and decided to postpone a special award ceremony for Cristiano Ronaldo out of respect for Eusebio. Ronaldo is Portugal's greatest player since Eusebio. Monday's funeral was attended by many dignitaries, including Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho. News of his death was splashed on the cover of all major newspapers, which dedicated pages of tributes to the footballer who reigned over Portuguese football in the 1960s, bringing glory to both his club Benfica and his country. “Good-bye to the legend,” daily newspaper Diario de Noticias wrote on its front page above a photo of the player after he scored a goal while sports daily O Jogo headlined “Eternal” above a photo of Eusebio. Eusebio's contemporary Pele, the Brazilian widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, took to his Twitter account to tell the world: “I cry for the death of my brother Eusebio. We became friends during the 1966 World Cup in England.” Pele published a photo of the two men together when Portugal beat Brazil 3-1 that year, with Eusebio scoring two of the goals. “For me, he is simply the creator of football,” said 24-year-old fan Luis Marques, while one banner left at the statue read: “I haven't come to say goodbye, but to say thank-you.” In line with Eusebio's wishes his coffin was, before the funeral ceremony, carried around the stadium where he so often delighted fans. Married with two daughters, in retirement he became an ambassador for Benfica and the Portuguese football federation. — Agencies
