Ulster Unionist Sports spokesman Michael McGimpsey MLA has paid tribute to Eusebio, the legendary Portuguese footballer who died yesterday.
Mr McGimpsey said:
"Eusebio was undoubtedly one of the greatest players ever to grace a football field. Although his career spanned a golden era in which the game was blessed with superstars such as Pele, Johann Cruyff and our own genius, George Best, Eusebio still managed to make his own mark as a giant of the game.
“His fifteen year association with Lisbon’s Benfica between 1960 to 1975 saw him win the European Cup in 1962, and finish runner up on three other occasions, including 1968 when Benfica lost to a George Best inspired Manchester United at Wembley.
“He also scored 733 goals in 745 competitive matches, won eleven Portuguese Titles and was European footballer of the year in 1965.
“In addition he was the leading scorer in the World Cup in England in 1966 with nine goals and twice played in Belfast, in 1963 v Distillery at Windsor Park and in September 1967 v Glentoran at the Oval.
“The fact that he returned to Northern Ireland in 1996 to make the Milk Cup draw was testament to how a giant of the game remained in touch with the grassroots. His passing will be mourned by all true football fans.”