Luis Enrique’s daughter Xana dies after five-month battle with cancer: ‘You will be the star that guides our family’

Former Barcelona player resigned as Spain coach in June after Xana was diagnosed with osteosarcoma – the most common form of blood cancer

The daughter of former Spain coach Luis Enrique, Xana, has died after a battle with cancer, aged nine.

Luis Enrique left the Spanish set-up last June in order to spend more time with his family, following Xana’s diagnosis with osteosarcoma, the most common form of bone cancer and prevalent in teenagers and young adults.

The former Barcelona player and manager issued a statement on Thursday evening to make the tragic announcement, and said that Xana will remain “the star that guides our family”.

"Our daughter Xana passed away this afternoon aged nine after fighting for five intense months with osteosarcoma (bone cancer)," Luis Enrique said in a statement.

"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."

Josep Maria Bartomeu, president of Barcelona where Luis Enrique won two Liga titles both as a player and coach and spent 11 years in all, sent condolences on behalf of the Catalan club.

"All of our support and compassion goes to Luis Enrique, his wife and all of his family at this particularly painful time," Bartomeu said in a tweet.

"All the Barca family are touched by the loss of Xana. Our condolences and all our sympathy for the Martinez Cullell family."

Additional reporting by Reuters