It was a Tuesday afternoon, like any other, but for Jorge Costa, it held a tragic twist. The football world lost him at 53 years old. He passed away after his heart stopped at the Olival training ground. Moments before, he had spoken to Sport TV, giving what would become his final interview. He even asked for the chat to happen outdoors. Soon after, he felt unwell. Medics helped him quickly, and he was rushed to Hospital de São João. Sadly, he died there.
His last words, shared with the cameras, painted a picture of hope and fierce belief in the upcoming season. They revealed the mind of a man deeply invested in his club’s future.
A New Beginning and High Hopes
Costa kicked off the interview by talking about new beginnings. “The expectations are always sky-high at the start of every season,” he said. He felt pleased with the team’s efforts. Fans, too, were happy and eager for games to begin. He believed the hard work had impressed everyone.
He spoke highly of the new coach, calling him “easy to deal with” and “a brilliant coach.” The club was very happy with their choice. More importantly, the players liked him and trusted his vision. Fans were also smiling. “We’re about to start the league,” Costa noted, “hoping for that bit of luck we sometimes miss.” But mostly, he stressed the need for “a lot of skill to be very competitive.”
Turning Past Pain into Future Power
The previous season, 2024/25, hadn’t been great. Costa admitted it wasn’t positive. But he saw it as fuel for the new 2025/26 campaign. He said the team was “working well” and had changed things up. They were “a very competitive team” now. He used the Atletico Madrid game as an example of what they wanted to be. “The stadium was full, the team was good, we got a win,” he recalled. “That’s the goal for 2025/26.”
Transfer Window Watch
The transfer market was still open, and Costa knew anything could happen. “We’re trying and doing our best,” he stated. He was content with the current squad. “It’s always a tough time,” he explained, with potential for players to leave or join. But his message was clear: “We’re happy with the group we have.” The championship was starting in a week, and they were ready with their usual ambition. “But we are paying attention,” he added, hinting at ongoing activity.
Teamwork and Surprises
Costa highlighted the strong connection between the club’s management and the coach. “Always in sync,” he confirmed. The coach had full freedom, knowing what was best for the club. “We trust him a lot, we trust our players,” Costa emphasized. He also felt the club was finally “in tune with the fans.” Everyone was just eager for the season to kick off.
He even shared a bit about the surprise arrival of Luuk de Jong. There was “some nervousness” about it, he admitted, worried information might leak out. But the positive outcome showed “the work is being done very well.”
Holding onto Stars
The conversation turned to key players like Diogo Costa and Rodrigo Mora, who many other clubs wanted. “As I said, anything can happen until the end of the month,” he responded carefully. If they could keep them, they would. He knew “sometimes there are problems we can’t control,” but they were “ready for anything.”
The First Game Ahead
Looking ahead to the first match against V. Guimarães, Costa was clear. “The first home game, in front of our fans, it’s vital to start well.” He shared the team’s eagerness. They were “anxious but very prepared,” and “eager to do things well.” When asked about Jota Silva possibly joining, Costa stood firm. “I just told you we’re happy with who we have here,” he said, “and we’ll start the championship with them, with great confidence.”
These were Jorge Costa’s last public thoughts. A man full of plans, hopes, and belief in his team, taken from the game he loved far too soon. His words remain a powerful reminder of his spirit and dedication.