José Mourinho breaks down in tears at press conference

The Portuguese football community is in mourning following the death of Jorge Costa, who died at just 53 years old.

Costa was a prominent figure in Portuguese football and captained FC Porto during their historic 2004 Champions League victory under José Mourinho’s leadership.

From 1990 to 2005, Costa played more than 380 matches for FC Porto and was also a key member of the Portuguese national team throughout the 1990s.

Last year, Costa returned to Porto as sporting director and was instrumental in bringing Viktor Froholdt to the club earlier this summer.

News of Costa’s passing came shortly after another tragic event in Portugal, where footballer Jota and his brother lost their lives in a car accident in July.

Mourinho overcome with emotions

During a press conference ahead of Fenerbahçe’s clash with Feyenoord, José Mourinho struggled to hold back tears when asked about Costa’s death.

The current Fenerbahçe manager described the loss as deeply personal.

“It’s a part of my story that’s gone,” Mourinho said, according to the Daily Mail, visibly fighting to keep his composure.

He praised his former captain’s leadership qualities and expressed his condolences to Costa’s family.

Mourinho also shared that he has known Costa’s children since they were little and that they are now left to face life as grown men without their father.

A final wish from the spirit of a captain

At the press conference, Mourinho reflected on how his former captain would have wanted him to handle the situation.

“He would say: ‘Come on, do your press conference.’ And he would say: ‘Play the game tomorrow, Mister. Win the game and forget about me.’ That’s how Jorge was,” Mourinho explained, adding that he will try to honor that wish and save his tears for later.

The tragedy has left a deep mark on the Portuguese coach, who repeatedly emphasized how important Jorge Costa was to both his life and his career.