<![CDATA[ Nação portista despede-se de Jorge Costa ]]>

Grief, sadness, and emotion dominated Jorge Costa's wake this Wednesday. The Porto fan base turned out in force at the Estádio do Dragão, with both anonymous and distinguished figures coming to say goodbye to the legendary FC Porto captain, who died at the age of 53 from cardiac arrest.

The tributes took place on two main stages: a memorial improvised by fans, next to gate number 2. And the place chosen by FC Porto to place the body in state, next to the entrance tunnel to the pitch, in Park 1. The first hours of the wake were reserved for family and close friends. But even in the morning, the line of those wishing to say their final goodbyes to one of the players who best embodied the Porto myth began to form.

Around 12:30 p.m., the FC Porto squad bid farewell to their sporting director, who passed away on Tuesday shortly after attending a team training session at Olival Stadium. At 3:00 p.m., the doors opened to the general public, and by 10:00 p.m., thousands had passed by the urn, where Villas-Boas, Porto's president, stood guard of honor for many hours.

In addition to the general public, politicians (notably Prime Minister Luís Montenegro) were present, but above all, football figures were involved. These included Frederico Varandas (president of Sporting Clube de Portugal), Fernando Gomes (president of the Portuguese Olympic Committee), Pedro Proença (president of the FPF), and Reinaldo Teixeira (president of the Liga Portugal). Also present were former players such as Sérgio Conceição, Semedo, Folha, Rui Barros, Raul Meireles, Bruno Alves, Maniche, Derlei, Pauleta, Ukra, Postiga, Bruno Moraes, Rolando, and Bosingwa, among others.

Many fans have been calling for FC Porto to retire the number 2 jersey—associated with the team's great captains and leaders throughout history—as a tribute to Jorge Costa. This possibility has been acknowledged by the president of the club's General Assembly. "The number 2 carries a very specific meaning. Should FC Porto retire it? I admit that yes, it would be a beautiful and very interesting move by FC Porto. Obviously, it's not my place to make such proposals. I'm sure that FC Porto's more than 100,000 members will have no difficulty in supporting such a move, if the club's board of directors so desires."

Montenegro speaks of an "irreplaceable brand"

"Jorge Costa had a remarkable career of service to this club and, above all, to the country. From the youth ranks of our national team to the senior team, he accumulated journeys of great brilliance and merit. He was an example. He left us too soon and leaves an irreplaceable mark," said Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.

Funeral at 10:30 am

Jorge Costa's funeral will take place at the Church of Christ the King in Porto, starting at 10:30 a.m. this Thursday. The seventh-day mass is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. next Tuesday, August 12th, at the same location.

PHRASES

Fernando Póvoas, doctor and FC Porto fan

"He was my friend for over 30 years. He leaves us with a void, he was a good person, he didn't deserve to leave so soon."

Pauleta, former national team player

"He was the real captain. Sometimes there was no need to speak, just look at us."

Derlei, former FC Porto player

"I was living a happy moment, I was in a place I wish I had never left."

Rui Barros, former FC Porto player

"We had a lot of battles. He was a beast in training, off the field he was adorable."

Nélson Matos, Jorge Costa's first coach

"He showed up like many kids, at the beginning of the season, trying his luck."

Manuel Pizarro, candidate for Porto City Council

"I'm even a little moved. He's one of the heroes of my life, an extraordinary player."