Former Spain coach Luis Enrique loses 9-year-old daughter

Enrique announces death of Xana

'Our little girl has passed away'

Former Spain and Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has announced the death of his nine-year-old daughter, Xana. In a statement posted on Twitter, Enrique said that his daughter had been battling bone cancer for the past five months.

"Our daughter Xana has passed away this afternoon at the age of 9 after five intense months of struggle against osteosarcoma," Enrique wrote. "We thank all the doctors, nurses and all the hospital staff for their dedication and treatment, to our friends and family for their support, and to all the people who showed us their affection.

"We will miss you very much, but we will remember you every day of our lives with the hope that one day we will meet again. You will be the star that guides our family. Rest, Xanita."

Enrique's wife, Elena Cullell, also posted a statement on Twitter, saying that her daughter had "fought until the last moment."

"My beloved Xana, our warrior girl, has left us," Cullell wrote. "She has fought until the last moment, with an intensity that has impressed us all. She has taught us, and all those who had the privilege of meeting her, the true meaning of life and how to face adversity."

Enrique stepped down as coach of Spain in June 2019 to be with his daughter during her illness. He had been appointed coach of the national team in July 2018, but he left the role after just 11 months.

Enrique's daughter's death has been met with an outpouring of grief from the football world. Many clubs and players have sent messages of condolence to the family.

The Spanish Football Federation said in a statement that it was "deeply saddened" by the news of Xana's death. "We want to express our deepest condolences to Luis Enrique and his family at this difficult time," the statement said.

Barcelona also sent a message of condolence, saying that the club was "in mourning" and that "our thoughts are with Luis Enrique and his family."