Fenerbahçe coach José Mourinho was moved to tears while paying tribute to his Champions League-winning captain Jorge Costa.Jorge Costa, the former Portuguese football star who captained Porto to their historic 2004 Champions League victory, died on Tuesday at the age of 53 following cardiac arrest at the club’s training center, where he was serving as director of football.According to Portuguese media reports, Costa suffered cardiac arrest at Porto’s training facility and was taken to São João Hospital.The decorated defender earned 50 caps for Portugal’s national team and helped Porto secure eight Portuguese league titles during his playing career.His greatest achievement came as captain under José Mourinho, when Porto stunned Europe by winning the Champions League in 2004, just a year after lifting the UEFA Cup.“It’s part of my history that goes,” said Mourinho.“You have captains, you have leaders. And sometimes it’s not about the armband — it’s about what you represent.“Jorge was one of those guys who, as I used to say, cleaned the garbage and let the coach do his job as a coach, not as the leader of the dressing room. That’s perfection for a coach — when his captain does that 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, a young guy, on his kids, whom I met when they were really young. Now, of course, they are grown men. And yes, I’m very sad, but I’m here because if he could speak to me now, he would say: ‘Come on, do your press conference.’ And he would say: ‘Tomorrow, play the game. Play the game, mister.’‘Win the game and forget about me.’ That would be Jorge. So that’s what I’m going to try to 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 want me to do it.”Earlier, Mourinho posted an emotional tribute, writing: “Your legacy will stay with us,” and imagining Costa’s words to him: “Mister, stop crying. Tomorrow you have a match, and your boys need you ready and strong.”
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