Portugal legend Eusebio dies aged 71

Former Portugal forward Eusebio, who was widely regarded as one of the best players of all time, has died at the age of 71.

Nicknamed the Black Panther, Eusebio top-scored with nine goals as he helped Portugal to a third place finish at the 1966 World Cup.

The Mozambique-born striker made his name in the Portuguese domestic league with Benfica, winning 11 league titles and the 1962 European Cup during a 15-year spell there.

He also notched 41 goals in 64 appearances for Portugal.

A spokesman for Benfica told Press Association Sport: "We have just received confirmation of the death of Eusebio.

"It's a very sad day for all of us."

The club were unable to confirm details of Eusebio's death but The Portuguese sports daily A'Bola have reported that he died of a cardiac arrest in the early hours of Sunday morning.

His health had been on the decline for some time and he was taken to hospital during Euro 2012 after suffering a heart scare in Poland.

Benfica fans will now be offered the chance to pay their final respects to the player at the Estadio da Luz later on Sunday.