Artur de Sousa Pinga

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Artur de Sousa, known for his nickname Pinga (born July 30, 1909 in Funchal, Portugal) was a footballer and later coach who made his name in FC Porto, club he served until his death in 1963.

One of Portuguese football most prominent players, Pinga (who could play either as forward or inside left) came to natiowide fame in CS Marítimo in 1930 where he earned his first call-up to the national team. Followed by FC Porto, he joined the continental club still in the same year, and became the key player of the victories in the 31-32 and later the 36-37 Campeonato de Portugal (the predecessor to the Cup of Portugal). He was still a playing member when the first nationwide competition played in a league system debuted (which became what is now known as the SuperLiga), which Porto came out as the winner in the first two editions.

He retired in 1946 after a meniscus surgery, when such operations still carried many risks. During his career he was considered the best national player ever, with 394 goals in 400 games. He only played for two teams - Marítimo and FC Porto plus the national team, where he had 21 caps scoring 9 goals during 12 years (1930-1942).

His career followed as a manager, and in his first season he caused a massive upset when Tirsense knocked out Sporting. Two stints with Sanjoanense and Gouveia followed before returning to FC Porto as assistant manager.

He died in 1963, still serving as a youth team coach in Porto.

[edit] Legacy

He was idolized by Pedroto, who would become another major star in the Porto side. Both had their name suggested to the Estádio do Dragão. One of the most important sportsmen born in the Madeira Islands (some say his legacy lives on modern star Cristiano Ronaldo), he has a street named after him in his hometown Funchal.