مدير عام كرة القدم
- Costa dies after cardiac arrest
- Captained Porto to دوري أبطال أوروبا glory
- Mourinho saddened by news
Costa died on Tuesday at Porto’s training centre, where he worked as the club’s director of professional football, after suffering a cardiac arrest. The former defender captained Mourinho’s Porto to Champions League success in 2004 and played 530 games in all competitions, winning 50 caps for البرتغال along the way. Mourinho spoke about Costa at a press conference ahead of فنربخشة‘s Champions League qualifier against Feyenoord and paid tribute to his former skipper.
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He told reporters: “It’s part of my history that goes. You have captains and you have leaders. 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 as a coach. 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, but now are grown men. So of course I am very sad.
“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 Mister, win the game and forget about me. That would be Jorge. 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.”
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Porto led the tributes to their former defender. The club said in a statement: “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. He left his mark on generations of fans.”
Charlton Athletic, where Costa played on loan in the 2001-02 season in the الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز, also issued a statement: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Jorge Costa at the age of 53. The thoughts of everyone at Charlton Athletic are with Jorge’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
And Portuguese side Braga, where Costa began his managerial career, posted a statement on X that read: “SC Braga received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Jorge Costa, a historic figure in وطني football who, throughout his extensive sporting career, also represented the colors of our club, both as head coach and assistant coach. The terrible news of his passing shakes the entire national sports community, and SC Braga cannot help but join in the immense pain shared by his family, his friends, and the entire FC Porto structure.”
Former Porto players and ex-team-mates also expressed their sadness at Costa’s passing. Deco wrote on Instagram: “Today, Portuguese football and FC Porto lose one of its greatest symbols. Jorge Costa was the embodiment of Porto’s spirit and determination. A legendary captain who inspired us all. 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. See you always, ‘Bicho’.”
Ex-Porto and ريال مدريد star Pepe added: “My deepest condolences to all your family. Your dedication and legacy will always live in the unparalleled history of victories of FC Porto. Rest in peace, Jorge Costa.”
And Paulo Ferreira wrote: “Today the soccer world has lost Jorge Costa, I lost Bicho, my captain. Stay with me the memories of a great player, leader and friend. It’s difficult to write, it’s difficult to speak. You will forever be remembered in FC Porto history and I will keep telling our stories so that no one forgets the other side of Jorge Costa.
My sincere condolences to the family, friends and Portistas.”
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