Former Barcelona and Spain head coach Luis Enrique has lost his daughter Xana, aged 9, to a battle with bone cancer.
Enrique shared the devastating news on his Twitter feed on Thursday.
"Our daughter Xana passed away this afternoon aged nine after fighting for five intense months with osteosarcoma [bone cancer], " his Twitter statement quoted by Aljazeera read.
"We want to say thanks for all the shows of warmth received over the past few months and we appreciate the discretion and comprehension shown. We also want to thank the staff at the Sant Joan de Deu and Sant Pau hospital for their dedication and treatment, to the doctors, nurses and all the volunteers. With a special mention to the palliative care team at Sant Joan de Deu. We will miss you a lot but we will remember you every day of our lives with the hope that one day in the future we will meet again. You will be the star that guides our family. Rest [in peace] Xanita," the statement added.
The former Barcelona midfielder resigned as the coach of the Spanish national football team so as to take care of his daughter.
Josep Maria Bartoumeu who is the president of the Catalan giants sent his condolences to the family of the coach on behalf of the club.
Enrique won three trophies when he assumed the reins of Barcelona in a single season.
Lionel Messi and Suarez are among the prominent players who have sent their condolences.