This Tuesday, FC Porto paid a heartfelt tribute to Jorge Costa, by giving his name to the club’s training center, in Olival, which is now called Centro de Treinos e Formação Desportiva Jorge Costa. During the ceremony, André Villas-Boas could not contain his emotion when remembering the former Porto captain and leader, who died last August.
The president of FC Porto highlighted the “impressive legacy” left by Jorge Costa and recalled the day of his death as “one of the hardest” in his life. “He was a great man, a force of nature. He died on August 5th, but he left a legacy of victories, affection and character. Sometimes I am invaded by contradictory feelings for having brought him back to this house and for having lost him here, in my arms”, he said, visibly moved.
Villas-Boas also took the opportunity to thank the medical teams who tried to save the former player’s life and Jorge Costa’s family for their “generosity and support in this very symbolic step”. Addressing Estela, widow of the former captain, the director assured that the tribute represents only a part of what “Bicho” means to the club: “This plaque is small compared to what Jorge represents. The flag at Dragão will continue to honor his name, and we want young athletes to grow up inspired by him.”
The ceremony was attended by several figures linked to FC Porto and Jorge Costa’s family, in a moment marked by emotion and respect for the memory of one of the club’s greatest legends.
