Portugal's most celebrated former player Eusebio was discharged from hospital on Thursday, four days after surgery on his cartoid arteries.

The operation successfully unblocked the arteries that carry blood to the brain, diminishing the risk of the 65-year-old having a stroke.

"I want to thank all those that have supported me by sending faxes and calling, but I also have to thank the doctor who operated on me because of the way I was treated," Eusebio, who was wearing a bandage around his neck, told local television in a weak voice.

The surgery took place at Benfica's new hospital, about 500 metres from Benfica's Stadium of Light where the Mozambique-born "Black Panther" thrilled crowds in the 1960s and 1970s.

During his professional career Eusebio scored about 1,000 goals as a striker with Benfica and Portugal. Twice he won Europe's Golden Boot award as the continent's top scorer.

Eusebio, who has been a key figure on the sidelines of Benfica games, failed to confirm whether he would attend his team's match against old rivals Sporting on Sunday.

"I can't, I'm not 100 percent. I can't play," he joked.