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The Sun
2 minutes ago
- The Sun
Jose Mourinho wipes away tears as he pays heartbreaking tribute to Porto's Champions League-winning captain Jorge Costa
JOSE MOURINHO has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Jorge Costa following the news of his tragic death. Costa, a Porto legend and former Charlton star, died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 53 in Portugal on Tuesday. 4 4 4 4 He had fallen ill in the morning before he was rushed to Sao Joao hospital in a serious condition, but nothing could be done to save his life. The former defender - nicknamed "Tanque" (Tank) and "Bicho" (animal) by his team-mates for his aggressive style of defending - was the captain of Mourinho's Porto team when they won the Champions League in 2004. Mourinho, who now manages Turkish side Fenerbahce, was asked about his former player during a press conference before his side take on Feyenoord in a Champions League qualifier. The 62-year-old was visibly emotional when speaking about Costa, and was seen wiping tears away as he paid tribute to his late captain. Choking back tears, Mourinho said: "It's part of my history that goes." Asked about a 2022 interview where Mourinho said he was not a captain but a leader, he continued: "It's not always about the armband but what you represent. "And Jorge was one of these guys who cleaned the garbage and let the coach do his job. "That's perfection for a coach when his captain does this work. Of course, I'm very sad it's part of my history that goes. "But let's forget football, let's focus on him, on Jorge, on his kids, who I met when they were really kids. "And I'm here now because if he could speak with me now he would tell me, come on, do your press conference. And he would say tomorrow play the game, win the game and forget about me. Jose Mourinho explains the difference between a captain and a leader, using Jorge Costa as an example "So that's what I'm going to try and do, do my job today, do my job tomorrow and then cry after. "But today and tomorrow I have a job to do and I know Jorge would tell me to do my job." The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss recalled a story about his former star, explaining how when the team was losing at half-time, Costa had "done the dirty work" by laying into the team to save a fuming Mourinho from having to do the same. He explained how Costa told him to wait outside, before opening the door after a couple of moments and saying to the manager "coach us", with Porto winning the game 3-2 thanks to Costa scoring two goals. Costa starred at Porto across a 15-year spell, winning eight league titles, as well as winning the Uefa Cup, Intercontinental Cup, five Taca de Portugal trophies and eight Super Cups. He was also a key figure of the Portuguese National Team, earning 50 caps for the senior team and winning the Portuguese Golden Ball in 2000. Following a decorated playing career which involved spells at Penafiel, Maritimo and the Addicks on loan and a one-year stint at Standard Liege, Costa moved into coaching in 2006. He started out as an assistant at Braga before taking on the full job as manager in 2007. But Costa would go on to have an extraordinary journeyman career as a boss. Costa had a number of jobs ranging from his homeland of Portugal to Tunisia, India, Romania and France. The Porto legend eventually returned to the club in 2024 to work as a director of football. He suffered a similar health problem in 2022 when he was admitted to Santa Cruz hospital before undergoing surgery and eventually recovering. But news of his death has left the world of football in mourning. Former clubs Porto, Braga, Charlton all paid tribute to him, as well as old rival Sporting Lisbon. Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute on his Instagram page by sharing a picture of the defender with a black and white filter with the caption: "Ate sempre Jorge Costa", meaning "until forever". Meanwhile, ex-Portugal international and 1987 Ballon d'Or runner up Paulo Futre wrote: "Hard to believe. What devastating news. A truly sad day for Portuguese football. "My most sincere condolences to Jorge Costa's family. Forever, friend. Rest in peace."
The Independent
32 minutes ago
- The Independent
Champions League winning captain Jorge Costa dies at training centre
Jorge Costa, the former Porto captain and current director of professional football, died on Tuesday at the age of 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest at the club's training centre. The former defender made 383 appearances for Porto and earned 50 caps for Portugal, helping the national side reach the Euro 2000 semi-finals. As captain, Costa famously led Porto to UEFA Cup glory in 2003 and a Champions League triumph in 2004 under manager Jose Mourinho. He was one of only six players to win five consecutive Portuguese league championships with Porto during his illustrious career. Tributes poured in from across the football world, including from Jose Mourinho, UEFA president Aleksandar Ceferin, and Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Jose Mourinho pays tribute as former Porto captain Jorge Costa dies aged 53
Former Porto captain Jorge Costa died on Tuesday at the age of 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest at the club's training centre, the Portuguese side said. The former defender, who was in his second season as Porto's Director of Professional Football, was rushed to hospital but could not be saved. 'Throughout his life, both on and off the pitch, Jorge Costa embodied the values that define FC Porto: dedication, leadership, passion and an unshakeable spirit of conquest,' the club said in a statement. 'He left his mark on generations of fans and became a symbol of Portismo.' Over his career, Costa played 530 games in all competitions, making 383 appearances for Porto and earning 50 caps for Portugal's national team. The centre-back helped the national side make the semi-finals of Euro 2000 and scored two goals for Portugal. The Portuguese Football Federation said: 'The Portuguese Football Federation deeply regrets the death of Jorge Costa. Footballer, coach, manager, and current director of professional football at FC Porto, Jorge Costa was one of the most remarkable players of a generation fundamental to the establishment of Portuguese football.' As captain, he led Porto to UEFA Cup glory in 2003 and a Champions League triumph in 2004 under manager Jose Mourinho. The defender was one of six players to win five consecutive Portuguese league championships with Porto, alongside Aloisio, Drulovic, Paulinho Santos, Rui Barros and Folha. He earned the nickname 'Bicho', translating to 'animal', from teammate Fernando Couto during their partnership in central defence. Mourinho posted a picture of the pair on Instagram, writing, 'I know what you would say now if you could, 'mister stop crying, tomorrow you have a match and your boys need you ready and strong'. I promise you Bicho, I am going to do it. RIP, because your legacy stay[s] with us.' UEFA president Aleksandar Ceferin also paid tribute, saying: 'It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the sudden passing of Jorge Costa. 'A legend of Portuguese football, Jorge was more than a football player – he was a leader and a true warrior who inspired generations. He embodied grit, resilience and loyalty. His unforgettable moment lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2004 remains a legendary tribute to his unwavering dedication and spirit. 'On behalf of UEFA and the European football family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, team-mates, and all who are grieving his loss.' The Portuguese prime minister, Luis Montenegro, released a statement expressing his condolences and described Costa as 'an example of dedication and commitment to the teams he was part of and to our national team'. Costa returned to Porto in April 2024 as director under new president Andre Villas-Boas. 'Jorge Costa's legacy will always remain alive in the memory of all Porto fans. You will never be forgotten, Captain,' the club added.
