Eusebio may need surgery, say doctors

AFP - 22 April 2007 14:57

Doctors at a Lisbon hospital have revealed that former Portugal striker Eusebio, seen here in 2000, may need to undergo surgery on his carotid arteries.

LISBON (AFP) - Former Portugal star striker Eusebio may need to undergo surgery on his carotid arteries, doctors in the Hopistal of Light in Lisbon said Sunday.

The 65-year-old is suffering from a bloackage to the arteries that carry blood to the brain.

"After conducting some tests we have found some obstructions to the internal carotid arteries. We believe an eventual operation will be necessary," said Germano do Carmo, a doctor at the hospital.

"It would require a delicate but uncomplicated operation."

According to the hospital director Jose Roquette, Eusebio is well and not complaining of anything.

The 'Black Panther', as he was known in his playing days, hails originally from former Portuguese colony Mozambique and lit up the 1966 World Cup, scoring nine goals as Portugal reached the semi-finals.

He was a major star for Benifca during the 1960s and 1970s, winning 10 titles, five cups and one European Cup, whilst also playing in three other finals of Europe's top competition.