The nine-year-old daughter of former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has died after battling cancer.
Enrique, 49, confirmed his daughter Xana’s death on Thursday afternoon, saying she had fought osteosarcoma – or bone cancer – for “five intense months”.
In a tribute posted on Twitter, he wrote: “We will miss you lots but we will remember you every day of our lives, with the hope that in the future we’ll meet each other again. You’ll be the star that guides our family.
“Rest dear Xana.”
Enrique, who also managed the Spanish national team, thanked those who had sent well wishes over recent months for their “discretion and understanding” and the medical team who treated his daughter “for their dedication and treatment”.
Our condolences and all our sympathy for @luisenrique21 and his family at this very difficult time. RIP Xana.https://t.co/huTNMXxEu2
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 29, 2019
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was among those to pay tribute to Xana, tweeting: “There are no words that that can go along with this pain.
“My heartfelt wishes to Luis Enrique and all his family, after the loss of his little Xana.”
Enrique’s former club Barcelona added on Twitter: “Our condolences and all our sympathy for @luisenrique21 and his family at this very difficult time. RIP Xana.”
Enrique, who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona during his player career, stepped down as Spain’s manager in June after 11 months.
At the time, the Spanish Football Federation said Enrique had left the role due to a “personal matter”.
Enrique thanked staff at the federation “for the faith they have shown me and for understanding the situation”.
The former Spain international won the treble in his first year in charge at Barcelona as the team won the Spanish league, the Spanish Cup and the Champions League, beating Juventus in the final.
Copied from Sky Sports News
