"A part of my history is gone," Mourinho said on 5/8, during a press conference before Fenerbahce's Champions League third qualifying round first leg match against Feyenoord in the Netherlands.
The Portuguese manager paused several times, wiping away tears as he spoke of Costa, the captain of Porto during their golden era under Mourinho. Costa played a crucial role in helping the Portuguese side win the UEFA Cup in 2003 and the Champions League in 2004.
 |
Manager Jose Mourinho sheds tears while speaking about Jorge Costa during a press conference at Feyenoord stadium, Netherlands on 5/8. Photo: Daily Mail |
Manager Jose Mourinho sheds tears while speaking about Jorge Costa during a press conference at Feyenoord stadium, Netherlands on 5/8. Photo: Daily Mail
"Jorge was the one who cleaned up the dressing room so the managers could do their job properly," Mourinho added. "That's the best thing a manager can have from his captain."
Despite trying to maintain professionalism during the press conference, Mourinho admitted he had to suppress his personal grief. "Today I'm still holding this press conference, tomorrow I'll still manage the match, because I know if he could speak, Jorge would tell me: 'Mister, just do your job, don't worry about me.' That was the kind of person he was," Mourinho expressed.
 |
Manager Jose Mourinho (left) and Jorge Costa during their time together at Porto. Photo: Action Images |
Manager Jose Mourinho (left) and Jorge Costa during their time together at Porto. Photo: Action Images
Costa played for Porto from 1990 to 2005, scoring 23 goals in 383 appearances. He won a total of 24 titles, including eight Portuguese league titles, five Portuguese Cups, eight Portuguese Super Cups, the 2003 UEFA Cup, the 2004 Champions League, and the Intercontinental Cup.
The center-back earned 50 caps for the Portugal national team and participated in Euro 2000 and Euro 2004.
After retiring, Costa pursued a coaching career and managed over 15 clubs and national teams, including Olhanense, CFR Cluj (Romania), the Tunisia national team, and Mumbai City (India). In July 2024, he returned to Porto as the first team's technical director.
According to the Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Costa collapsed shortly after a meeting at the Olival training center on 5/8. He had previously complained of feeling unusually hot after an interview.
Porto's medical staff attempted to resuscitate him with a defibrillator before transporting him to Sao Joao Hospital. However, the former center-back passed away shortly afterward in the intensive care unit. Costa had experienced a minor heart attack in 2022 but had returned to work in stable health.
 |
Cristiano Ronaldo posts a photo expressing his condolences after Jorge Costa's passing. |
Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo posted a photo of Costa on his Instagram Story with the caption: "Ate sempre, Capitao" (Farewell, Captain). Former players like Deco, Ricardo Carvalho, and Vitor Baia were also present at Dragao Stadium, where fans laid flowers and scarves in front of a banner reading: "Capitao para sempre" - Captain forever.
Costa's wake will take place on the evening of 6/8 at Dragao Stadium, and the funeral will be held on the morning of 7/8 at Igreja da Trindade Church in the center of Porto.
Porto has submitted a request to postpone their match against Estoril this weekend. The club's management also announced that gate number 3 at Dragao Stadium will be named "Porta Jorge Costa," and a bronze plaque depicting him lifting the Champions League trophy in 2004 will be erected as a symbol of the legendary captain.
Hong Duy (Daily Mail)
