Football legend Costa dies, Ronaldo releases photos to commemorate

Portuguese football club Porto issued an announcement stating that the club's football director and legendary captain Joje Costa died on Tuesday local time at the age of 53 after suffering from cardiac arrest.

Opero Club official social media posts to commemorate the club legend: "Joge Costa left us. He is one of us, a leader, a captain, and a role model. He is a symbol of Porto Football Club. Thank you for your support to Porto until the end. Goodbye, Joge Costa."

Data shows that Costa made 383 appearances for Porto in his career and has 50 appearances for the Portuguese national team. He won the UEFA Cup with the team in 2003, and then led Porto, coached by Mourinho, to win the UEFA Champions League title in 2004. Costa won eight league titles in his 15-year career in Porto.

Costa also briefly joined the Premier League's Charlton Athletics team on loan, and then ended his career as a player in Standard Liege in 2006. According to media reports, after retiring, Costa spent 17 years in management positions, and has coached teams such as the Gabon national team.

Royce's social media screenshot. After Costa's death, Ronaldo posted photos through social media to mourn the Portuguese football senior.

According to media reports, Mourinho was emotional at a press conference for the Champions League qualifying match after learning of his favorite disciple Costa’s death. "I feel very sad. I'm here because if he can communicate with me now, he will say 'Please, hold your press conference, play well, win the game, forget my existence', which is what Joe Ge would say. So this is what I plan to try to do: do my job well today, do my job well tomorrow, and then cry later."

"It's not a pleasant thing to hear a 53-year-old man passed away. He was a teammate, had outstanding achievements on the court, and led a team to the Champions League." said Steve Brown, former chairman of the Charlton Club Players Association.

UEFA social media screenshot.

UEFA official social media also posted a message to mourn Costa. UEFA President Alexander Cefelin said: "Costa is not just a football player, he is a leader, a real warrior, inspiring generations. He embodies courage, resilience and loyalty."