PORTO legend Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa has passed away aged 87.
The former club president led the club to 69 titles during his tenure, including the Champions League in 2004.
Da Costa left his role at Porto in May 2024 and was succeeded by former Chelsea manager Andre Villas Boas.
But it was another former Blues boss who led tributes on social media.
Jose Mourinho took to Instagram to post a touching statement about his old employer.
He wrote: “‘Mourinho, you were the coach who brought me the greatest joys’.
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“Those were your words, Mr. President.
“My words are: ‘I feel a tremendous honor to be part of your history and I will always be grateful for your trust and the influence you had on my career.’
“This is how we said our goodbyes last summer in your beloved city.
“The smile from the first day and the joy of the last time we were together.”
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Former Porto manager Sergio Conceicao took the news very hard after AC Milan’s win over Hellas Verona.
He was due to face the media after the victory at the San Siro but was to “shaken” to do so.
This was confirmed by club adviser Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who spoke to the press instead.
He said: “I am here because the coach is in the locker room.
“He is very shaken at the death of the Porto president, who was like a father to him. So I am here.”
Porto fans also paid tribute to the club legend by gathering outside the Estadio do Dragao Stadium.
They could be heard chanting songs after the news of the former president’s death.
A huge tifo with Da Costa’s picture was hung from a nearby bridge and surrounded by flairs.
Former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba also shared a tribute for Da Costa on his X account.
He joined the Portuguese giants back in 2018 after three years on Tyneside.
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He wrote: “Rest in peace President Pinto Da Costa, I am grateful for the chance you gave me to join the great club of FC Porto.
“My sincere condolences to the relatives and to the whole great family of the Portistas.”
Porto statement on Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa
Porto released a statement after the death of former club president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa…
It read: “The departure of the President of Presidents leaves Futebol Clube do Porto orphaned of its greatest figure, the main organiser of great victories and the person most responsible for building an unmistakable identity and legacy.
“Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa will live on forever in the memory and hearts of all Porto fans.
“Between 23 April 1982 and 7 May 2024, the biggest club in the North became the best club in Portugal and grew from local and regional to European and world level.
“Without ever forgetting its roots, FC Porto grew with the city and the city grew with FC Porto.
“The club has more than 131 years of history, but there is a before and after Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa.
“Since then everything has changed.
“Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa transformed FC Porto the Portuguese club with the most official titles by lifting 23 championships, 22 Super Cups, 15 Portuguese Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, a European Champion Clubs’ Cup, Champions League, a UEFA Cup and a Europa League, a European Super Cup and a League Cup.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
