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30 August 2019An announcement that comes like a cold blade and shakes the world of football and beyond. Luis Enrique, former coach of Spain but also of Rome and Barcelona, ​​announced the death of his 9-year-old daughter Xana, suffering from bone cancer. "Our daughter Xana died at the age of 9 after having fought for five intense months against an osteosarcoma," he wrote in a statement published on Twitter.

"Rest in peace, little Xana"
Luis Enrique cloaked his grief of the dignity that made him a 'hombre vertical' for everyone The former head coach of Spain told the world with few, dry words: the 9-year-old daughter died of an osteosarcoma, after fighting for five months against the terrible disease. That of the Asturian coach, a past as a footballer in Barça, Real and in the Iberian national team, then the Barca B bench, a brief passage to Roma, the triumphs with Barcelona and the guide of Spain, is an announcement made on social, and full of thanks to all the doctors, nurses, volunteers who assisted the little Xana and who in recent days have given him palliative care; and of those knowing the reason for the mysterious farewell to the bench of the Roja, months ago, they had been close to him with discretion and love.

"We will miss you very much - the only concessions to an intimate and unspeakable pain - We will remember you every day of our lives, in the hope that one day we will come back to meet each other. You will be the star that guides our family".

A wave of emotion and solidarity
From the Spanish premier Pedro Sanchez to the Barca, from the Real to the Spanish Football Federation, from Nadal to Rome, it is a wave of emotion, hugs, solidarity, for a drama that leaves one appalled. Italy is also under the shock of football, which has often crossed its roads with a surly and always upright technician, from the famous episode of Tassotti's elbow to USA '94 to the Roman experience. "I have no words", Sanchez's message, like Sergio Ramos's. "Xana will be our star. We join the pain of the Martinez Cullell family and we want to share gratitude for her memorable example of love and tenderness". From today, on Luis Enrique's Twitter profile, the photo is that of a beautiful smiling baby girl.

The condolences of Rome
Roma is close to its former coach Luis Enrique, severely affected in love with his daughter's disappearance. In a tweet on their official profile the Roma club "squeezes around the family of Luis Enrique in this moment of pain. Courage Mister". There are also numerous fan tweets, someone posted the photo of Luis Enrique smiling in the field with his daughter in one of the many moments of happiness of the former football player and then coach for the successes of the Barcelona team. Numerous fans have urged that on Sunday the Giallorossi team take to the field in the derby against Lazio with mourning on the arm.

Absolutely devastated by the news about 9-year-old Xana.

Our love and prayers are with Luis and his family at this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in peace little Xana 🌹 pic.twitter.com/wCFH6iMxNU

- Jim Pallotta (@ jimpallotta13) August 29, 2019