Portuguese Manager Jose Mourinho Publicly Sheds Tears After Suffering Personal Loss
- Jose Mourinho tearfully mourned the loss of his former Porto captain Jorge Costa, who died from a cardiac arrest
- Costa captained FC Porto to the 2004 Champions League and 2003 UEFA Cup and won 24 trophies, including eight Primeira Liga titles
- The Portuguese club hailed him as an embodiment of dedication and leadership, ensuring his legacy endures among fans
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Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho was overwhelmed by emotions when he paid tribute to his former Porto captain Jorge Costa, who has passed away.
Costa was said to have suffered a cardiac arrest at Porto's training centre on Tuesday before he died at the age of 53.
While speaking at a press conference shortly before Fenerbahce’s Champions League qualifier, the former Chelsea manager spoke on Costa’s immense impact.
Source: Getty Images
Wiping tears off his face, an emotional Mourinho said via Daily Mail:
"It’s part of my history that goes. You have captains, and you have leaders. Jorge was one of those who cleaned the garbage and let the coach do his job.
"That’s perfection for a coach. I’m very sad, but let’s focus on Jorge, his kids, who I met when they were young, now grown men.
"If he could speak to me now, he’d say, ‘Do your press conference, play the game tomorrow, win it, and forget about me.’ That was Jorge. So, I’ll do my job today and tomorrow, then cry after.”
Costa captained Mourinho's FC Porto to the 2004 Champions League title and the 2003 UEFA Cup.
He was a linchpin of the team that also won eight Primeira Liga titles, five Taca de Portugal trophies, eight Super Cups, and the Intercontinental Cup.
The defender earned 50 caps for Portugal and made 324 appearances for Porto between 1990 and 2005.
Costa had suffered a heart attack in 2022, but he returned to Porto last year as director of football.
Reports suggest that he complained of intense heat after a SportTV interview before collapsing.
It was gathered that Porto’s medical team used a defibrillator and rushed him to São João Hospital, where he passed away in intensive care.
Porto’s statement reads on X:
"Jorge Costa, legendary FC Porto captain and Director of Professional Football, passed away from cardiac arrest.
"FC Porto expresses profound sadness for an inescapable figure in our history. He embodied dedication, leadership, passion, and an unwavering spirit.
"His legacy will live on forever in the memories of Porto fans. You will never be forgotten, Captain.
"The club requested discretion during this time of grief, promising further details in due course."
Source: Getty Images
English club Charlton also paid tribute, writing in a statement:
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Jorge Costa at the age of 53."
Footballer drowns while swimming
Legit.ng earlier reported that GD Caldelas of Portugal goalkeeper Jeferson Merli has passed away, having drowned while swimming with his girlfriend in the Homem River, Terras de Bouro.
It was gathered that the 27-year-old vanished under the water around 6 pm on Saturday, as his girlfriend alerted emergency responders.
Source: Legit.ng
