Silvino Louro, who followed Jose Mourinho as his goalkeeping coach for almost 20 years, has died at the age of 67 with tributes pouring in from the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid
Former coach Silvino Louro has died at the age of 67
Former coach Silvino Louro has died at the age of 67
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One of Jose Mourinho's long-term backroom staff members, Silvino Louro, has died aged 67 after reportedly succumbing to a long-term illness.
Louro was Mourinho's trusted goalkeeping coach and followed the Special One for two decades, including during his most successful periods. He worked with him at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United.
It means he helped put the likes of Petr Cech, Iker Casillas and David de Gea through their paces. All three have been regarded as among the world's best at points during their career. News on Louro's passing emerged on Thursday night.
Under Louro's coaching Vitor Baia at Porto, Cech and Inter Milan shotstopper Julio Cesar were all named as UEFA's Best Goalkeeper. Baia and Cesar both playing in Champions League winning teams
Louro moved to Manchester with Mourinho in 2016 when he went on to claim three trophies in his debut year, which included the Europa League. He helped De Gea continue his fine form whilst also aiding the development of Sam Johnstone, who has gone on to achieve England recognition.
The Premier League giants said: "In nearly three seasons at United, Louro oversaw a tight-knit goalkeeping group that included David De Gea, Sergio Romero, Sam Johnstone and Joel Pereira. The former Benfica stopper was notably part of a Reds squad that lifted three trophies in 2016/17 - the FA Community Shield, League Cup and UEFA Europa League. Our thoughts are with Silvino’s family and friends at this difficult time."
Tributes have continued to pour in from Louro's other clubs. Inter and Real both released statements issuing their condolences to his family whilst hailing his contributions by referencing the trophies he won at their clubs.
Silvino Louro worked under Jose Mourinho at the likes of Man Utd, Real Madrid and Chelsea
Silvino Louro worked under Jose Mourinho at the likes of Man Utd, Real Madrid and Chelsea
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Porto reached the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday night with a 2-0 win over Stuttgart. After Diogo Costa kept a clean sheet, the Portuguese club released a short statement saying that his shut out was dedicated to their former coach. Sharing a picture of him from his playing days, they wrote on social media: "Diogo Costa's display honoured Silvino's memory."
Benfica wrote in a statement: “Sport Lisboa and Benfica expresses its deepest sorrow over the passing of Silvino. Former goalkeeper of the Club and the National Team, he will forever remain in the memory of Benfica fans as a striking figure of a generation that greatly honored the badge on their chest."