South African football icon Benni McCarthy has paid a heartfelt tribute to his former FC Porto teammate, who recently passed away.
Portuguese football legend Jorge Costa lost his life at the age of 53, reportedly due to a cardiac arrest.
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McCarthy, now the head coach of the Kenya national team, shared the pitch with Costa during their time under Jose Mourinho. Together, they helped Porto lift the UEFA Champions League title in 2004.
Following the news of Costa's passing, McCarthy expressed his deep sorrow and respect for the former defender, who was serving as Porto's general manager at the time of his death.
"Yesterday was difficult since receiving the sad news, it is difficult to believe considering he was still young and ordinarily a lot was lying ahead of him," McCarthy said, according to Mozzart Sports.
"It was a privilege to have touched him and played with him, one of the most admired captains at Porto. It is when you get such news and you wish you had called him at least last week or you could have done something.
"He is gone, but the memories will live forever with us. I convey my condolences to his wife and children. It is really sad, but it is what it is. He was like an elder brother, our leader. He always stood up for everyone. What makes it even sadder is knowing I will not get the chance to say my final goodbyes or share everything I wanted to tell him. But above all, I choose to hold on to the incredible moments we shared.
"When I joined Porto, he was the toughest person I had ever met in football. I was just a kid from Africa, and he took me under his wing, looking out for me in so many ways. I have immense respect and admiration for him," explained the ex-Orlando Pirates striker.
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"We celebrated so many unforgettable moments together, including winning the Portuguese league, the Portuguese Cup, and the Champions League. To think that at such a young age, he is no longer with us is heart-breaking.
"He will always be part of Porto’s history as the longest-serving and most admired captain. That is the legacy he leaves behind. I will always cherish that I had the chance to meet him, touch him, and play alongside him. He is not gone, nor forgotten, he lives within each of us. We will carry the best of him in our hearts and try to reflect it in our own lives."
Image: Harambee Stars
