Jorge Costa RIP
What absolutely terrible news breaking today from Portugal. Jorge Costa reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest at the Porto’s training ground in Portugal and died later in hospital.
Jorge was only 53 and a legend at Porto. He was their director of football.
I only wrote about Jorge and his time at Charlton recently as part of my ‘Having a beer with’ series.
The Tank only played 24 games in our little corner of London but he achieved legendary status. Jorge was a Rolls Royce of a defender, rarely needing to move into top gear, and we were so lucky to see him play in our shirt.
Costa had felt unwell on Tuesday morning and been taken to São João Hospital in Porto, where he “went into cardiopulmonary arrest in the emergency room and died” hospital sources said in Portugal.
Costa was a fierce competitor and a serial winner. His positional sense and ability to intercept and break up dangerous attacks was some of the best I’ve ever seen in a Charlton shirt
In his playing career he won 8 league titles, 5 Portuguese cups, a UEFA Cup, an Intercontinental Cup and a Champions League title all with Porto. He won 50 caps for his country.
Charlton said in a statement that it was “deeply saddened” about Costa’s death.
“Affectionately known amongst the fanbase as ‘The Tank’, Costa joined the club on loan from FC Porto during the 2001/02 Premier League campaign and, despite only featuring 26 times across all competitions, is widely regarded as one of the finest centre-backs to represent the Addicks,”
His old boss Jose Mourinho said: “If he could speak with me now he would say ‘do your press conference, tomorrow play the game mister and win the game – forget about me’. I’m going to try and do my job today and tomorrow, and then I’ll cry after.”
What a very sad day, and a real terrible few weeks for Portuguese football. RIP Jorge.
A tragedy for a wonderful player and a wonderful man to pass away at 53. He was a fabulous defender during his short time with us.
R.I.P Jorge
So sad to hear this tragic news I was so lucky to see this wonderful defender in action down at the valley with another legend beside him Mark fish Jorge was an absolute colossal tank to get past and beat may you rest in peace sir you legend.
So tragic. He was immense for us.
As a Charlton and Porto fan I’m heartbroken tonight. Legend is a word bandied about sometimes too much in football, but Bicho totally was one. Descanse em paz, Jorge.
Condolences to you and all of the Porto family, Adrian. Lenda 🇵🇹
Really shocked and saddened by this.
Unbelievable a massive 1 minute applause and chanting his name should happen at the valley this Saturday
Lucky enough to meet him and shake his hand as my mate sponsored Robbos testimonial at the Valley the year after he went back. What a great player and ambassador for the game both at International and club level. RIP Jorge ❤
RIP – especially after the news of Diego Jota.
He’ll be remembered this weekend along with Pierre Bolangi (who died 25 years ago and Ethan Ade-Oduwale who died recently.
I’m not sure if one can compare Jorge and the short lived career of Alan Simmonson both monumental in Charltons history both legends in their own right.
RIP Jorge.
Terrible news!
Over the years Charlton have brought in loan player upon loan player. Many of these have been average at best and some simply hopeless, leaving Charlton fans scratching their heads as to what improvement they brought to the team. There have also been some gems and Jorge Costa was one of those, arguably being the finest defensive loan player we have ever seen in a Charlton shirt. Just 26 games for the club but those of us that saw him will never forget the impact he had on the team, with both his ability and unique character.
RIP Jorge.