Former Spain and Barcelona manager Luis Enrique's nine-year-old daughter died on Thursday after her five-month battle with bone cancer. Enrique took time and thanked the hospital staff for the care of his daughter, Xana.
The manager in a statement on Twitter said, Our daughter Xana has passed away this afternoon at the age of 9, after fighting for five months against osteosarcoma. We give thanks for all the caring gestures we have received during these months and we appreciate the privacy and understanding.
"We also thank the staff, doctors, nurses, and the volunteers at the Sant Joan de Deu and Sant Pau hospitals for their dedication and care. And a special mention to the palliative care team at Sant Joan de Deu.
"We will miss you a lot but we will remember you every day of our lives with the hope that we will see each other soon in the future. You will be the star that guides our family."
On June 19, 2019, Enrique had stepped down as coach of the Spanish national team after less than a year in charge to be with his daughter.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said it "mourns the sad loss of little Xana" and it "wants to show our condolences to family and friends, joining us all today to their pain," according to BBC.
Barcelona - who Enrique guided to two La Liga titles and the 2015 Champions League - said: "Our condolences and all our sympathy for Luis Enrique and his family at this very difficult time. RIP Xana."
Barca forward Lionel Messi also gave his condolences, adding: "We are with you, all the strength of the world."
Barca's rivals Real Madrid said they "join the pain" of Enrique and his family and "want to convey their deepest condolences to them at these difficult times".
Italian side Roma, another club Enrique managed, said they were "heartbroken to hear the news".
"The thoughts of everyone at AS Roma are with Luis Enrique and his family at this impossibly sad and difficult time," the club added.
