My special Eusebio memento

One of the all-time greats was also a remarkably humble man

I was so sad to hear that Eusebio had passed away. He was truly one of football’s all-time greats and, as I was to find out, a truly exceptional person.

When I was a kid, I marvelled at his starring role for Portugal at the 1966 World Cup. At the time, he was second only to Pele when it came to football stars.

To some extent, Eusebio was unfortunate to have a career that ran at the same time as the great Brazilian. It’s a bit like the current situation, with people debating whether Messi or Ronaldo is the greatest.

Eusebio’s playing career was winding-down just as mine was taking off, but I’ll never forget spending time with him in 1998. We were both on a television panel at the World Cup in France, and went out to dinner in the evening.

Of course, the conversation was all about football and I asked him what his all-time World XI would be.

Without hesitating, he took a napkin and started writing it down. He went for a 4-3-3 formation, with legendary Russian Lev Yashin in goal. The back four contained Santos (Brazil), Beckenbauer (Germany), Moore (England) and Maldini (Italy).

Playing in front of them he had Cruyff (Holland), Di Stefano (Spain) and Charlton (England). They were supplying the ammunition for a forward line of Garrincha (Brazil), Pele (Brazil) and Maradona (Argentina). He even took time to list five substitutes Banks, Matthews, Schnellinger, Puskas and Best.

Having compiled the team, he kindly signed the napkin and presented it to me. It may be only a few names on a creased bit of paper, but it will always be a special memento of my time with the great man.

I joked with him that he hadn’t put George Best in his starting team because he scored against his club, Benfica, in the 1968 European Cup Final. He said that wasn’t the case, and would have left out Bobby Charlton if he’d felt any hint of bitterness! He recognised Best as a great player, but felt those in his first XI had achieved more.

I knew some would feel his team didn’t have a defensive side to the midfield, but he was adamant the creative players would outscore any opposing team.

One name was missing from the team Eusebio.

I’d said he could pick himself in the international select. He didn’t and that was a mark of the man. Eusebio remained a very humble, down-to-earth person all his life.

I met him again just over three years ago when we were both on a FIFA football committee, and he remained enthusiastic about the game.

We can only hope today’s stars show the same warmth and humility once their playing days are over.