Just months after being appointed as Spain's boss, Luis Enrique decided to leave his coaching duties to pay attention to a family matter. Sadly, the coach confirmed today that his absence from the world of football was due to the illness of his daughter, Xana, who passed away earlier today.
The former Barcelona tactician spent the last five months away from the spotlight to tend to his nine-year-old daughter, but the end of the story is truly heart-breaking, as the little girl was not able to recover from an osteosarcoma.
Earlier today, coach Luis Enrique revealed the reasons behind his absence on social media.
"Our daughter Xana passed away this afternoon at the age of nine, following five intense months in which she fought against osteosarcoma.
We want to thank everyone for all your prayers and thoughts during the past few months. We also want to thank everyone for their discretion.
We also want to thank the staff of Sant Joan de Deu and Sant Pau's hospitals for their dedication to help us. To all the doctors, nurses and to all the volunteers, and I want to add a special mention to the group of priests at Sant Joan de Deu.
"We will miss you dearly, but we will remember you each day of our lives with our hopes of seeing you one more time. You will be the star that will guide our family.
Rest in peace, Xanita.
Martinez Cullell family."
Immediately, players, teams and other coaches took social media to offer Luis Enrique their condolences.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Luis Enrique and his family for the loss of his daugther Xana. May she rest in peace. Mucha fuerza y ánimo. https://t.co/VOnOP6H1Eb
— AC Milan (@acmilan) August 29, 2019
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Luis Enrique and his family for the loss of his daughter.
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) August 29, 2019
Stay strong, Luis https://t.co/bXrNgreRra
Real Madrid C.F. are deeply saddened by the passing of @LUISENRIQUE21's daughter and would like to share our condolences to him and his family at this difficult time.
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) August 29, 2019
Our condolences and all our sympathy for @luisenrique21 and his family at this very difficult time. RIP Xana.https://t.co/huTNMXxEu2
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 29, 2019
All of our support and compassion goes to @luisenrique21, his wife and all of his family at this particularly painful time. All the Barça family are touched by the loss of Xana. Our condolences and all our sympathy for the Martínez Cullell family. https://t.co/yLWe4J4j70
— Josep Maria Bartomeu (@jmbartomeu) August 29, 2019
"Mister, I'm deeply sorry. Rest in peace Xana"
Míster, lo siento en el alma. Descansa Xana.
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) August 29, 2019
"I'm lost for words. A big hug for you and your family,mister. RIP"
Sin palabras. Un abrazo muy fuerte para ti y tu familia, mister. DEP https://t.co/NtwCCGc1Ip
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) August 29, 2019