Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho are among those to have paid tribute to Porto’s Champions League-winning captain Jorge Costa, who has died aged 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest at the Portuguese club’s training ground.
Costa, who led Porto to UEFA Cup glory in 2003 and a Champions League triumph a year later under Mourinho, was in his second season serving as the Liga Portugal club’s director of football. He was rushed to hospital but could not be saved.
The defender earned 50 caps for Portugal’s national team and amassed more than 500 senior career appearances, the majority playing for Porto.
Ronaldo paid tribute to his compatriot on social media, posting a picture of Costa with the line “Ate sempre Jorge Costa”, which translates as ‘Until Forever’ or ‘Always’.
Fenerbahce boss Mourinho, who fought back tears at a press conference ahead of his side’s Champions League third-round qualifying tie against Feyenoord on Wednesday, said: “I’m very sad. It is a part of my history that goes.
“If he could speak with me 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 and do my job today and tomorrow, and then I’ll cry after.”
Costa won 24 trophies in his time at Porto, including eight Primeira Liga titles. He was one of six players to win five consecutive Portuguese top-flight league championships.
He had short spell in England with Charlton Athletic, making 26 appearances after arriving on loan during the 2001/2002 season.
“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,” Porto said in a statement. “He left his mark on generations of fans and became a symbol of Portismo.”
“Jorge Costa’s legacy will always remain alive in the memory of all Porto fans. You will never be forgotten, Captain.”
Two other former Porto and Portugal players, Deco and Pepe, also paid tribute to the player.
Deco called Costa one of Portuguese football’s “greatest symbols”, adding: “It was an honour to share so many titles and joys with you. Your name will forever be remembered. My condolences to the entire family.”
Meanwhile, Pepe said: “Your dedication and legacy will always live in the unparalleled history of victories of FC Porto. Rest in peace, Jorge Costa.”
