Jorge Costa, who captained Porto to the 2004 Champions League title, died Tuesday of cardiac arrest, the membership stated. He was 53.
Costa, a central defender who made 50 worldwide appearances for Portugal, was Porto’s director of soccer on the time of his dying.
The membership stated in its announcement that Costa embodied Porto’s values: “dedication, management, ardour, and an unwavering spirit of conquest.”
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Portuguese media reported that Costa suffered cardiac arrest on the membership’s coaching centre and was transported to São João Hospital.
Costa’s most interesting achievement in his taking part in profession was as captain of Jose Mourinho’s Porto staff that was a shock winner of the Champions League in 2004. A yr earlier, he lifted the second-tier UEFA Cup.
Costa additionally helped Porto win eight Portuguese league titles.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro supplied his condolences and praised Costa’s “dedication and dedication” to each Porto and the nationwide staff.
Jose Mourinho (r) speaks to Jorge Costa (l) throughout coaching in 2003. PA Pictures by way of Getty Pictures
Mourinho posted a tribute that stated “your legacy will stick with us”.
The Fenerbahce coach wrote that he might think about what Costa can be telling him: “Mister, cease crying, tomorrow you may have a match and your boys want you prepared and robust”.
Mourinho fought again tears talking about his former captain at a information convention earlier than Wednesday’s Champions League third-round tie towards Feyenoord.
“I’ll try to do my job in the present day and tomorrow, after which I will cry after.”
Costa received 24 trophies earlier than leaving in 2005, together with the Champions League, Uefa Cup and eight Primeira Liga titles.
Deco, who was additionally a part of Porto’s Champions League-winning facet, labelled Costa a “legendary captain”.
FC Porto’s Jorge Costa organizes his defence (Photograph by Mike Egerton/EMPICS by way of Getty Pictures) PA Pictures by way of Getty Pictures
“Immediately, Portuguese soccer and FC Porto lose one in all its best symbols,” Deco posted on Instagram.
“Jorge Costa was the embodiment of Porto’s spirit and dedication. A legendary captain who impressed us all.
“It was an honour to share so many titles and joys with you. Your title will perpetually be remembered. My condolences to the complete household. See you at all times, ‘Bicho’.”
One other former teammate Pepe stated: “My deepest condolences to all your loved ones.
Costa was the soccer director of FC Porto. NurPhoto by way of Getty Pictures
“Your dedication and legacy will at all times dwell within the unparalleled historical past of victories of FC Porto. Relaxation in peace, Jorge Costa.”
Costa spent a brief interval on mortgage at English staff Charlton within the 2001-02 season.
“To listen to of a life taken at 53 is rarely good to listen to, however he’s a former teammate who had such an excellent standing within the recreation and captained a Champions League profitable facet,” stated Steve Brown, chair of Charlton’s ex-players’ affiliation.
“He was liked at Charlton, a person mountain of a participant and an excellent man too.
“He was a unbelievable one who at all times bought his level throughout.
“Everybody revered him due to his potential. He was an excellent lad.”
