Jose Mourinho struggled to hold back tears as he delivered an emotional tribute to Jorge Costa, his former captain at FC Porto, during a special event commemorating their iconic 2004 Champions League victory.
The legendary manager, known for his fiery demeanour, showed a rare vulnerable side as he spoke about Costa's leadership during Porto's unforgettable European campaign. "He was the soul of that team," Mourinho confessed, his voice trembling with emotion.
The Special One Remembers His Captain
Mourinho, now 61, reflected on how Costa's unwavering determination and tactical intelligence were instrumental in Porto's against-all-odds triumph. "Without Jorge, there would be no Champions League trophy in Porto's cabinet," the two-time Champions League winner stated emphatically.
2004: A Fairytale Season
The 2003-04 season remains one of football's greatest underdog stories. Under Mourinho's guidance and Costa's captaincy, Porto:
- Defeated Manchester United in the last 16
- Overcame Lyon in the quarter-finals
- Dismantled Deportivo La Coruña in the semi-finals
- Triumphed 3-0 against Monaco in the final
Costa, now 52, was visibly touched by Mourinho's words during the anniversary celebration. The former defender made 448 appearances for Porto across two spells with the club.
A Bond That Transcends Football
What made this tribute particularly poignant was the evident depth of respect between the two men. Mourinho, usually the master of mind games, showed uncharacteristic vulnerability as he recalled their shared history.
"We didn't just win together, we grew together," Mourinho revealed, offering rare insight into their player-manager dynamic. This emotional display from 'The Special One' serves as a reminder of the human stories behind football's biggest moments.
