Mourinho’s sorrow as Porto’s Champions League-winning captain Costa dies at 53

Jorge Costa, a former Porto captain, died at the age of 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest at the training facility.

Under Jose Mourinho’s leadership in 2004 and with the help of the defender, the Portuguese club won 50 Champions League caps.

Costa retired from football in 2006 after spending a season on loan at Charlton in the Premier League.

Before taking up Porto’s director of professional football position last year, the centre-back moved into management and held positions at 16 clubs.

Jorge Costa embodied the values that define FC Porto throughout his life, including dedication, leadership, passion, and an unshakeable spirit of conquest, according to the club. He “fell a lasting impression on fans for generations.”

Before Wednesday’s Champions League third-round match against Feyenoord, Fenerbahce boss Mourinho, who led Costa between 2002 and 2004, held a press conference to express his appreciation for his former captain.

Mourinho said, “If he could speak with me right now, he would say, “Do your press conference, tomorrow play the game, mister, and win the game- forget about me.”

“I’m going to try to do my job today and tomorrow, and then I’ll cry.”

Costa made 324 appearances for the club after graduating from Porto’s academy.

Before leaving in 2005, he won eight titles, including the Champions League, the Uefa Cup, and eight titles in the Primeira Liga.

Costa was referred to as a “legendary captain” by Deco, who also played for Porto’s Champions League winning side.

Portuguese football and FC Porto lose one of its most important symbols, according to Deco’s Instagram post.

“Porto’s spirit and resolve was attested by Jorge Costa. A legendary captain who had a huge impact on us all.

It was a pleasure to share so many titles and joys with you. Your name will remain forever in people’s minds. The entire family extends my condolences. “Bicho,” see you always.

My heartfelt condolences to everyone in your family, said another former team-mate Pepe.

“Your commitment and legacy will always be reflected in FC Porto’s unmatched history of victories.” Jorge Costa, rest in peace.

Costa won the Portuguese Golden Ball, an honor bestowed upon the best player in the league, in 2000.

Costa left Porto for Charlton on loan in 2001 after a disagreement with Octavio Machado, who made 26 appearances.

Former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley praised him as a “fabulous person who always got his point across.”

“Everyone praised him because of his skill,” he said. He was a fantastic student.

Costa left Braga in the beginning of his managerial career, according to the club, who claimed that his departure “has shaken the entire national sporting community.”

Raga “can’t help but feel the depths of grief that his family, his friends, and the entire FC Porto organization feel,” the club added on X.

Costa led teams in Romania, Cyprus, Tunisia, India, and Gabon after stints with Braga, Olhanense, and Academica in Portugal.