The nine-year-old daughter of former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has died after battling cancer.

Enrique, 49, confirmed his daughter Xana's death on Thursday afternoon, saying she had fought osteosarcoma - or bone cancer - for "five intense months".

In a tribute posted on Twitter, he wrote: "We will miss you lots but we will remember you every day of our lives, with the hope that in the future we'll meet each other again. You'll be the star that guides our family.

"Rest dear Xana."

Enrique, who quit as Spain's manager in June, thanked those who had sent well wishes over recent months for their "discretion and understanding".


Image: Xana joined her father on the pitch after Barcelona beat Juventus to win the 2015 Champions League

He also thanked the medical team who treated his daughter "for their dedication and treatment".

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was among those to pay tribute to Xana, writing on Twitter: "There are no words that can go along with this pain.

"My heartfelt wishes to Luis Enrique and all his family, after the loss of his little Xana."

Enrique's former club Barcelona said it offered "all our sympathy", while star player Lionel Messi said: "We are with you... all the strength of the world."

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez tweeted: "A moment of great pain and sadness. Rest in peace, little Xana."

Image: Enrique said Xana 'will be the star that guides our family'

Spain and Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea said he was "speechless", while Spanish tennis champion Rafael Nadal said he "cannot imagine the pain of the family".

Enrique, who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona during his football career, stepped down as Spain's manager in June after 11 months in charge.

At the time, the Spanish Football Federation said Enrique had left the role due to a "personal matter".

Enrique thanked staff at the federation "for the faith they have shown me and for understanding the situation".

The former Spain international won the treble in his first year in charge at Barcelona as the team - led by Messi - won the Spanish league, the Spanish cup and the Champions League, beating Juventus in the final.

Enrique led Barcelona to a league and cup double in his second season before leaving the role in June 2017.