Silvino Louro, the long-time goalkeeping coach who worked under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Porto, has died aged 67 after a long illness. News of his passing emerged on Thursday night, prompting tributes from across the football world.
Louro was a trusted member of Mourinho's backroom staff for two decades, helping to develop some of the world's finest goalkeepers. Under his guidance, Vitor Baia at Porto, Petr Cech at Chelsea and Inter's Julio Cesar were each named UEFA's Best Goalkeeper, with Baia and Cesar winning the Champions League. He also worked with Iker Casillas at Real Madrid and David de Gea at Manchester United.
At United, Louro spent nearly three seasons after moving with Mourinho in 2016, helping the club win three trophies in the 2016-17 campaign: the FA Community Shield, League Cup and Europa League. Manchester United said in a statement: 'In nearly three seasons at United, Louro oversaw a tight-knit goalkeeping group that included David De Gea, Sergio Romero, Sam Johnstone and Joel Pereira. Our thoughts are with Silvino’s family and friends at this difficult time.'
Inter Milan and Real Madrid also released statements offering condolences, while Porto dedicated Diogo Costa's clean sheet in their Europa League win to Louro. Benfica, where Louro began his playing career, expressed 'deepest sorrow' and remembered him as a 'striking figure' who honoured the club badge.
