The former executive director of São Paulo Futebol Clube, Rui Costa, spoke out this Sunday (21) about his dismissal from the team, which took place on Saturday (20). The professional has worked for Tricolor Paulista since 2021, the year in which he took on the role of football director, succeeding former player Raí.
In his statement, Rui Costa stated that “cycles are naturally finite” and highlighted that São Paulo gave him the chance to perform his role with great enthusiasm, dedication and commitment for a period of almost six years. He highlighted that he did this “with absolute respect for the institution and its fans”.
He concluded his speech by describing his experience as a “great privilege” that was renewed daily, rather than an ordinary routine. Living day to day at São Paulo alongside important figures such as Muricy Ramalho and Rafinha, as well as other managers, collaborators and athletes, will be for him the certainty of having “tread the right path” within the club.
During his time at the club, the former director was at the forefront of winning the Campeonato Paulista, the Copa do Brasil and the Supercopa Rei. He made a point of praising these victories and also recalled the end of a long period without titles.
Rui Costa expressed great pride in having participated in “important and even historic achievements”. However, he emphasized that his greatest satisfaction came from “extremely difficult moments”, when he assumed responsibility and always sought the best for São Paulo, acting correctly and not just through the most comfortable route.
In the end, the former director reinforced that he leaves São Paulo with three titles: the 2023 Copa do Brasil and the 2024 Supercopa do Brasil, both unprecedented for the club, in addition to the 2021 Campeonato Paulista, which ended a 16-year fast. He assured that he will continue his professional journey with the same values of loyalty, respect and professionalism.
Pressure led to the director’s departure
President Harry Massis was the one who ordered Rui Costa’s dismissal, communicating the decision to the director on Saturday afternoon. The executive was already facing intense pressure from both club advisors and São Paulo fans. The main organized fan base, Independente, had requested the professional’s removal on multiple occasions in the months leading up to the incident.
The intensification of criticism of Rui Costa’s performance occurred especially after the replacement of coach Hernán Crespo with the hiring of Roger Machado. Internally, the director was seen as one of the great defenders of this change, which, however, did not produce the expected results. Roger Machado was, in turn, released from São Paulo at the beginning of the previous month.
Complete content of Rui Costa’s statement
The former director began his speech by stating that “cycles are naturally finite”, expressing gratitude to São Paulo Futebol Clube for allowing him to carry out his role with “fervor, dedication and commitment” for almost six years, always with “absolute respect for the institution and its fans”.
He continued, describing his experience at the club as a “great privilege” that was renewed every day, far from being a “simple routine”. The opportunity to be with directors, collaborators, athletes and legendary figures such as Muricy Ramalho and Rafinha will be a constant memory that he “took the right path” in the entity.
Rui Costa highlighted his participation in “important and even historic achievements”, but highlighted that his greatest pride lies in “extremely difficult moments”, when he assumed responsibility and strived for the best of São Paulo Futebol Clube, acting correctly in each situation and avoiding the easiest or most comfortable path.
The director thanked the club for the period in which he was in charge of the football department. He also left a “noble ‘thank you'” to the fans, recognizing their constant support for the team and their active participation in the “hard work in defense of this great entity in world sport.”
In a reflection, Rui Costa observed that “in football and in life, we don’t always live only in happy moments and victories”. He recognized the importance of “constructive criticism” received during “periods of difficulty”, highlighting that they were crucial for his self-criticism and for his personal and professional improvement.
He concluded by reiterating that his departure from São Paulo Futebol Clube comes with the victory of three trophies: the unprecedented 2023 Copa do Brasil and 2024 Supercopa do Brasil, in addition to the 2021 Campeonato Paulista, which the club had not won in 16 years. Rui Costa assured that he will continue his journey with the same values of loyalty, respect and professionalism that have always guided his career.