Former captain Jorge Costa died on Tuesday on the age of 53 after struggling a cardiac arrest on the membership’s coaching centre, the Portuguese facet stated.
The previous defender, who was in his second season as Porto’s Director of Skilled Soccer, was rushed to hospital however couldn’t be saved.
Commercial
“All through his life, each on and off the pitch, Jorge Costa embodied the values that outline FC Porto: dedication, management, ardour and an unshakeable spirit of conquest,” the membership stated in a press release. “He left his mark on generations of followers and have become an emblem of Portismo.”
Over his profession, Costa performed 530 video games in all competitions, making 383 appearances for Porto and incomes 50 caps for Portugal’s nationwide group. The centre-back helped the nationwide facet make the semi-finals of Euro 2000 and scored two targets for Portugal.
The Portuguese Soccer Federation stated: “The Portuguese Soccer Federation deeply regrets the dying of Jorge Costa. Footballer, coach, supervisor, and present director {of professional} soccer at FC Porto, Jorge Costa was one of the crucial outstanding gamers of a era basic to the institution of Portuguese soccer.”
As captain, he led Porto to Cup glory in 2003 and a triumph in 2004 below supervisor Jose Mourinho.
Commercial
The defender was one in all six gamers to win 5 consecutive Portuguese league championships with Porto, alongside Aloisio, Drulovic, Paulinho Santos, Rui Barros and Folha.
He earned the nickname ‘Bicho’, translating to ‘animal’, from teammate Fernando Couto throughout their partnership in central defence.
Mourinho posted an image of the pair on Instagram, writing, “I do know what you’d say now if you happen to might, ‘mister cease crying, tomorrow you might have a match and your boys want you prepared and robust’. I promise you Bicho, I’m going to do it. RIP, as a result of your legacy keep[s] with us.”
Costa led Porto to Champions League glory in 2004 (Motion Pictures through Reuters)
UEFA president Aleksandar Ceferin additionally paid tribute, saying: “It’s with profound disappointment that we have now discovered of the sudden passing of Jorge Costa.
Commercial
“A legend of Portuguese soccer, Jorge was greater than a soccer participant – he was a pacesetter and a real warrior who impressed generations. He embodied grit, resilience and loyalty. His unforgettable second lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2004 stays a legendary tribute to his unwavering dedication and spirit.
“On behalf of UEFA and the European soccer household, we prolong our heartfelt condolences to his household, buddies, team-mates, and all who’re grieving his loss.”
The Portuguese prime minister, Luis Montenegro, launched a press release expressing his condolences and described Costa as “an instance of dedication and dedication to the groups he was a part of and to our nationwide group”.
Costa returned to Porto in April 2024 as director below new president Andre Villas-Boas.
“Jorge Costa’s legacy will all the time stay alive within the reminiscence of all Porto followers. You’ll by no means be forgotten, Captain,” the membership added.
Extra reporting by Reuters