Xana Enrique, the young daughter of ex-Barcelona and Spain national team manager Luis Enrique has died after a battle with cancer.
Nine-year-old Xana had been fighting osteosarcoma (bone cancer) for “five intense months,” Enrique says as he announced her death.
In a tribute on social media on Thursday, the former football manager said his daughter will be remembered “every day of our lives.”
Enrique, who also managed the Spanish national team, writes: “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 also thanked those who sent well wishes over recent months for their “discretion and understanding“.
He also thanked the medical team who treated his daughter “for their dedication and treatment“.
Among those to pay tribute to Xana was Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who writes on Twitter: “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 also send their “condolences and all our sympathy for @luisenrique21 and his family at this very difficult time. RIP Xana.”
Enrique, who played for Barcelona and Real Madrid during his playing career, stepped down as Spain’s manager in June. The Spanish Football Federation said he had left the role due to a “personal matter“.
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