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Portuguese football legend transferred to Natioinal Pantheon

Xinhua, July 4, 2015 Adjust font size:

Portuguese football legend Eusebio's coffin was transferred to the National Pantheon in capital Lisbon on Friday as Portuguese paid their final tribute to him.

The "Black panther," as he was known, was taken by a horse drawn carriage across main streets in Lisbon up to the National Pantheon at 7p.m. local time and is the 12th Portuguese figure to be buried there.

The ceremony was attended by Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva, Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho, Parliament Speaker Assuncao Esteves and other senior officials as well as dignitaries from all walks of life.

"Eusebio is truly a national figure," Anibal Cavaco Silva said in his speech, adding that the decision to take the football legend to the National Pantheon was a reason for "profound emotion."

The country's national anthem was played, interpreted by Portuguese fado star Dulce Pontes, and Portuguese musician Rui Veloso interpreted the songs "I never forgot you" and "Mother Africa."

Eusebio died aged 71 at his home in Lisbon on January 5 last year from a cardiac arrest.

The country declared three days of mourning for the Portuguese football legend after he died, and his body was taken to the Luz stadium and on a procession around downtown Lisbon, before thousands gathered at the cemetery in Lumiar, Lisbon where he was buried.

The Portuguese parliament approved the transfer of Eusebio to the National Pantheon, alongside heroes like fado singer Amalia Rodrigues, in February, following legal doubts as to whether his body could remain there before three years of his death had been completed.

Mozambique born Eusebio scored over 700 competitive goals, was top scorer in the 1966 World Cup and was winner of the Ballon d'Or in 1965. Playing for his longtime club Benfica, he won 11 league titles and the European Cup in 1962 and helped the club to three further European Cup finals.

Portuguese National football team coach Fernando Santos referred to Eusebio as an "outstanding figure" who had taken the name of Portugal beyond borders. Endi