PORTUGAL, Portugal (AP) — Jorge Costa, who captivated Porto in the 2004 Champions League title, passed away in cardiac arrest Tuesday, the club said. He was 53 years old.
Costa, a central defender with 50 international appearances in Portugal, was Porto’s director of football at the time of his death.
The club said it announced that Costa has embodied Porto’s values. “Dedication, leadership, passion, a shaky spirit of conquest.”
Portuguese media reported that Costa maintained cardiac arrest at the club’s training centre and was taken to San Joan Hospital.
Costa’s best achievement in his playing career was as captain of Jose Mourinho’s Porto team, the surprising winner of the 2004 Champions League.
Costa also helped Porto win eight Portuguese League titles.
He spent a short time on loan with English team Charlton during the 2001-2002 season.
“I’ll never hear of life at 53, but he’s a former teammate who had a very great condition in the game and captained the winning side of the Champions League.” “He was loved by Charlton. Charlton was a man of a player and a great man.”
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
