Former Barcelona and Spain manager Luis Enrique has paid tribute to his daughter Xana, the ‘star that guides our family’, after announcing her death at the age of nine.

She had been battling bone cancer for five months.

He announced in a statement on Twitter: ‘Our daughter Xana has passed away this afternoon at the age of 9, after fighting for 5 intense months against osteosarcoma.

His statement read:

“Our daughter Xana has passed away this afternoon at the age of 9 after fighting for 5 intense months against osteosarcoma.

We thank all the gestures of affection received during these months and we appreciate the discretion and understanding.

Also thanks goes to the staff of the San Joan de Deu and Sant Pau hospitals for their dedication and treatment, to the doctors, nurses and all the volunteers. With a special mention to the team of palliative priests of Sant Joan de Deu.

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. You will be the star that guides our family.

Rest Xanita