London - Arabstoday
Benfica have wished a speedy recovery to Eusebio after the Portugal legend was admitted to hospital suffering from bronchial pneumonia. The 69-year-old is in the care of doctors at the Hospital da Luz in Lisbon but his condition is not thought to be life-threatening. Benfica were quick to offer their support to arguably the greatest player in the club\'s history. \"Benfica wish a speedy recovery to the Black Panther,\" read a statement on the club\'s website. Eusebio played for nine clubs in a 22-year professional career but it was at Benfica where he forged his reputation as one of the game\'s greats, turning out for the club 614 times between 1960 and 1975, and scoring an astonishing 638 goals. During his time at Benfica, Eusebio won 11 Portuguese league titles, five Portuguese Cups and the European Cup in 1962. He also scored 41 goals in 64 international appearances for Portugal between 1961 and 1973, and finished as the top scorer at the 1966 FIFA World Cup™ in England. Eusebio was also admitted to the Hospital da Luz in 2007 when he underwent a heart operation to prevent a possible stroke. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) also wished Eusebio, who has been employed as an ambassador for the national team, a quick return to health. \"On behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation we wish a speedy recovery to Eusebio and also to express that the whole Portuguese football family is behind him,\" a statement read. \"Eusebio is a symbol of Portuguese football. It will take a lot of strength to overcome this difficulty, but he has honoured Portugal for many years with his distinguished presence, including as ambassador of the national team.\"