Former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique's 9-year-old daughter dies following intense battle with bone cancer
Former Barcelona and Spain national team coach Luis Enrique revealed the tragic news that his youngest daughter, nine-year-old Xana, has died after a five-month battle with cancer.
Enrique, 49, confirmed that his daughter had succumbed to osteosarcoma, a cancerous tumor that develops in the bone, after fighting it for "five intense months" in an emotional statement posted on his official Twitter account on August 29.
"Our daughter Xana has passed away this afternoon at the age of 9, after fighting for 5 intense months against osteosarcoma," he wrote. "We thank you for all the love received during these months and we appreciate the discretion and understanding."
Enrique went on to thank the staff at the Sant Joan de Deu and Sant Pau hospitals for their "dedication," as well as the medical nurses and volunteers who had worked tirelessly to take care of Xana.
"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," he wrote. "And a special mention to the palliative care team at Sant Joan de Deu," he said.
"We will miss you very much but we will remember you every day of our lives in the hope that in the future we will meet again," he continued. "You will be the star that guides our family. Rest Xanita. Martinez Cullell family."
Xana had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive and common form of bone cancer that is most prevalent in teenagers and young adults, early in 2019.
Her illness had seen Enrique, who had taken over the reins of the national team after the 2018 world cup, suddenly take a leave of absence from his position on March 26, and hand over duties to his assistant Roberto Moreno.
He then stepped down from the position on June 19, and said in a statement at the time, "Due to the reasons that prevented me from carrying on my duties as coach since March and because they continue, I've decided to step down."
While there was speculation that it had to do with his daughter's health, he did not reveal any further details until her death on August 29.
Several came out to pay their tributes after Enrique announced the tragic news. "One day we achieved our star (World Cup), and from today, we have another one that enlightens us from heaven with its light. Rest in peace, little Xana," the Spanish Football Federation tweeted. "The Spanish FA joins in the grief of the Martinez Cullell family and we share the gratitude for its admirable example of love and strength."
"There are no words that that can go along with this pain," wrote Spain's president Pedro Sanchez on Twitter. "My heartfelt wishes to Luis Enrique and all his family, after the loss of his little Xana."
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, who spearheaded the attack during Enrique's debut season as head coach of Barcelona which culminated in a historic treble, also expressed their condolences.
"We are with you, all the strength of the world," Messi said.
"Moment of much pain and sadness," Suarez wrote. " Rest in peace XANITA. A lot of strength Luis Enrique, Elena and family!"