Tomorrow marks the start of Jorge Costa's funeral ceremony.
FC Porto Mourns the Loss of Legendary Captain Jorge Costa
Jorge Costa, one of FC Porto's most beloved players and a key figure in the club's history, passed away at the age of 53 following a cardiac arrest. The news has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, with tributes pouring in from fans, players, and officials.
Costa, who was known as "The Tank" for his formidable defensive skills, scored two goals for the Portugal national team and represented the country in the final stages of Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup. However, it is his achievements with FC Porto that truly set him apart.
From 1990 to 2005, Costa played 383 games for the club and scored 25 goals. His career with Porto was marked by numerous successes, including captaining the team to their 2004 UEFA Champions League victory under Jose Mourinho, a feat considered his most notable accomplishment. He also captained the team to win the 2003 UEFA Cup a year earlier.
Costa's contributions to FC Porto extend beyond his playing days. He later served as the club's director of football, giving even more of his blood, sweat, and tears to the team he loved so dearly. His accolades with Porto include eight Primeira Liga championships, five Taça de Portugal trophies, eight Portuguese Super Cups, the Intercontinental Cup, and both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup titles.
In light of Costa's death, FC Porto has requested the postponement of the championship's opening match. The Arouca vs AVS match, initially scheduled for Saturday at 6:00 PM, will now take place at 8:30 PM on the same day. The reception of FC Porto against Vitória SC in the I Liga has been postponed to Monday at 8:45 PM.
Entry to pay tribute to Jorge Costa at Estádio do Dragão will be through Park 1 from 3:00 PM on Wednesday. The funeral will take place at the Igreja de Cristo Rei in Porto at 10:30 AM on Thursday. A mass for the seventh day of Jorge Costa is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Tuesday, August 12, at the same location.
FC Porto president André Villas-Boas paid tribute to Jorge Costa, stating, "Jorge Costa was unique in his way of being and relating to FC Porto and Portismo. It is impossible to define Jorge Costa, he is everything that is and will be FC Porto."
The Estoril vs Estrela da Amadora match will be played on Monday at 6:45 PM, offering fans a chance to pay their own tributes to a true Porto legend. FC Porto wants to tell Jorge Costa that they will always be by his side.
[1] Porto FC official website [2] ESPN [4] BBC Sport [5] The Guardian
In the realm of European leagues, Jorge Costa's legacy with FC Porto in the Premier League of Portuguese football is unparalleled, marked by his pivotal role in their triumphs, including the 2004 UEFA Champions League victory under Jose Mourinho. Despite his passing, his devotion to the club transcends time, as evident in his service as the club's director of football.
Remembering Jorge Costa, a footballing legend who represented not only FC Porto, but also Portugal in international competitions such as Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup, fans are encouraged to pay their tributes at Estádio do Dragão on Wednesday. News of his passing has sent ripples through the sports community, with tributes coming from various sports media outlets such as Porto FC's official website, ESPN, BBC Sport, and The Guardian.
