(CNN) — Former Barcelona and Spain manager Luis Enrique has paid tribute to his nine-year-old girl after she passed out from osteosarcoma — a form of bone cancer.
The 49-year-old released an announcement on Twitter Thursday evening verifying Xana’s death and thanking hospital personnel for their maintenance over an”extreme five months.”
“We shall miss you tons but we will remember you each day in our lives, with the expectation that later on we’ll meet each other again,” read the statement.
“You’ll be the star that guides our family.”
The Spaniard, who stepped down from his role as Spain’s national boss in June to spend time with his loved ones, thanked people who sent good wishes but requested for”discretion and comprehension.”
‘Speechless’
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) directed the tributes online, stating it”mourned the sad lack of small Xana.”
“We want to demonstrate that our condolences to relatives and friends, joining us today to their own pain,” it now tweeted.
Among them Barcelona celebrity Lionel Messi A host of Enrique’s former gamers paid their respects to youthful Xana.
“We are together with you, all of the power of the world,” the Argentine composed on Twitter.
Meanwhile, the Spain and Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea stated that he was”speechless,” while Enrique’s former club Barcelona provided”condolences and all our empathy.”
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal delivered his condolence to the familyroom. The uncle Miguel ??ngel Nadal of nadal is a former Barcelona and national teammate of Enrique.
“I am really sad and I cannot imagine the pain of the household. A hug to Luis Enrique and the family. A whole lot of courage and strength in these difficult times,” that he also tweeted.
A lot of clubs, such as Manchester United, also paid their respects.
Enrique enjoyed a successful playing career, representing Spain on 62 events. He also won three Spanish La Liga titles, once with Barcelona and two with rivals Real Madrid.
He continued victory for a trainer, winning the Champions League during his time in the Nou Camp, along with two domestic brands and three Copa del Rey decorations.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu voiced his sympathy, writing:”Our support and compassion belongs to Luis Enrique, his spouse and all of his household at this particularly painful moment.”