"Ronaldo can be the best in the world" - Portuguese legend

Eusebio has spent 40 years as the most recognisable face of Portuguese football but he is more than happy to hand over the honour to Cristiano Ronaldo, who he says is on the verge of becoming the best player in the world.

Eusebio, the Black Pearl, was the driving force behind Benfica's rise to the peak of European soccer in the 1960s and almost single-handedly dragged Portugal to the semifinals of the 1966 World Cup with a remarkable nine-goal tally.

His impressive international goal return of 41 in 64 matches was overtaken only three years ago by Pauleta.

Although Luis Figo and his "Golden Generation" have taken the country back to the top echelon, it is the arrival of Ronaldo that has got his pulse racing.

"Ronaldo has nothing to prove to anyone, he has proved his talent by being the top scorer in England," Eusebio said.

"He has proved it by winning the Premier League, by winning the Champions League, with Manchester United.

"Now he is here in the national team but it is different. He is part of the group, it's not Cristiano plus 10, it's not about him, it's about the team of 11 players.

"That group mentality is good and good for him. He can concentrate on the football and it helps keep his feet on the ground.

"He can become the best player in the world," added the man crowned Europe's best in 1965.

Eusebio said he had been delighted by Portugal's early form in Euro 2008, where they have already won their group after impressive victories over Turkey and Czech Republic but warned that they are by no means the finished article.

"I'm very happy with what I've seen, as is everyone in Portugal," he said.

"Those first two games were very important and now they can look forward.

"But I wouldn't say they are among the favourites. They remain Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, even Spain, the usual teams, but Portugal are not there yet."