'My president' - Jose Mourinho leaves touching tribute for ex-Porto chief Jorge Nuno Pinta da Costa following death aged 87

Porto are mourning the loss of former president Pinta da Costa, who led the Portuguese club during the most successful period in their history. During his 42 years in charge, Porto won a total of 69 titles at home and abroad and were crowned champions of Europe twice.

Mourinho is a big part of Porto's story after being signed by Pinto de Costa in 2002. The manager went on to win two Portuguese league titles, the Champions League, UEFA Cup, a Taca de Portugal, and a Supertaca during a brilliant spell at the club. Mourinho then went on to manage some of the biggest teams in the world including Real Madrid, Inter, Chelsea and Manchester United.

He posted on Instagram: "'Mourinho, you were the coach who brought me the greatest joys'. Those were your words, Mr. President. My words are: 'I feel a tremendous honor to be part of your history and I will always be grateful for your trust and the influence you had on my career.' This is how we said our goodbyes last summer in your beloved city. The smile from the first day and the joy of the last time we were together."

A statement from the club read: "The departure of the President of Presidents leaves Futebol Clube do Porto orphaned of its greatest figure, the main organiser of great victories and the person most responsible for building an unmistakable identity and legacy. Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa will live on forever in the memory and hearts of all Porto fans. Between 23 April 1982 and 7 May 2024, the biggest club in the North became the best club in Portugal and grew from local and regional to European and world level.

"Without ever forgetting its roots, FC Porto grew with the city and the city grew with FC Porto. The club has more than 131 years of history, but there is a before and after Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa.

"Since then everything has changed. Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa transformed FC Porto the Portuguese club with the most official titles by lifting 23 championships, 22 Super Cups, 15 Portuguese Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, a European Champion Clubs' Cup, Champions League, a UEFA Cup and a Europa League, a European Super Cup and a League Cup."

Porto fans have also joined together to pay tribute. Supporters gathered together outside the club's Estadio do Dragao stadium and were heard chanting songs after news of the former president's passing was confirmed.