Jose Mourinho has shared an emotional tribute to Silvino Louro following his long-standing colleague’s tragic passing aged 67. Louro served as a goalkeeping coach under Mourinho’s stewardship and tributes flooded in after news of his death emerged on Thursday evening.

He was a constant presence on the touchline alongside Mourinho throughout his spells at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United. Louro was consequently part of some of the Portuguese tactician’s greatest triumphs. A former goalkeeper for Benfica, he collaborated with some of the contemporary era’s most acclaimed shot-stoppers, including David De Gea, Petr Cech and Iker Casillas. Louro was praised for his expertise and Mourinho has posted a poignant message on Instagram accompanied by a series of black and white photographs of the pair.

He wrote: “Now I cry, but I’ll be able to laugh, laugh a lot, talk about you, remember every moment. In the Mourinho family you are loved and you’ll stay alive. I’ll continue to listen to you before each game ‘bro it’s going to be fine’. Rest easy little hands.”

John Terry, Nemanja Matic, Robbie Keane, Antonio Valencia, Sergio Romero and Shay Given were amongst the former players to respond. Ex-goalkeeper Julio Cesar wrote “Hard to believe” whilst former Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia also replied.

Cesar played under Louro at Inter Milan, where he was based between 2008 and 2010. The Brazilian goalkeeper was crowned UEFA’s Best Goalkeeper during their spell together, one of three players to claim that accolade under Louro, alongside Vitor Baia at Porto and Cech at Chelsea.

United announced in a statement: “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.”

Chelsea stated: “Everyone at Chelsea FC is deeply saddened by the passing of our former goalkeeping coach, Silvino Louro. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Louro was an accomplished player in his own right, spending a 23-year career at Benfica, Porto, Vitoria Setubal, Vitoria Guimaraes, Aves and Salgueiros before hanging up his gloves in 2000 aged 41. He earned 23 caps for Portugal.

Benfica wrote: “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 honoured the badge on their chest. To the family and friends, the Club extends its most heartfelt condolences.”