Ex-Barca manager loses daughter to cancer

Luis Enrique left his coaching job with Spain’s national team in June because of his daughter’s illness. (Getty Images)

Former Barcelona and Spain national team manager Luis Enrique announced the tragic news that his nine-year-old daughter Xana has died of cancer.

Xana fought her diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a bone cancer, for five months before passing.

“Our daughter Xana has passed away this afternoon at the age of 9 after fighting for five intense months against osteosarcoma,” Enrique wrote in a message posted on social media. “We thank all the gestures of affection received during these months and we appreciate the discretion and understanding.

“You will be the star that guides our family. Rest Xanita.”

Enrique, 49, guided Barcelona to Champions League glory in 2015, after which Xana took part in the celebrations.

In fact, she was a fixture in Barcelona’s post-title celebrations during his three years managing the club, for which he also played for the last eight years of his career.

Barcelona shared its sympathy with its former player and coach, while the outpouring from around the soccer and Spanish sporting universe followed. (SI)