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Former Barcelona and Spain boss Luis Enrique has announced the heartbreaking news that his nine-year-old daughter has died from cancer.

Enrique stepped down from his role as Spain manager earlier this year to focus on her illness.

His daughter, Xana, fought osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, for five months.

Enrique wrote on Twitter: "Our daughter Xana has died this afternoon at the age of 9, after struggling for five intense months with osteosarcoma.

"We thank you for all the love received during these months and we appreciate the discretion and understanding.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

"We would also like to give personal thanks to the hospitals Sant Joan de Deu and Sant Pau for their dedication and treatment and to all the volunteers, with a special mention to the palliative priests at Sant Joan de Deu.

"We will miss you a lot but we will think of you every day of our lives with the hope that in the future we will meet again.

"You will be the star that guides our family. Rest well little Xana."

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(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez led the tributes, tweeting: "Moment of much pain and sadness. Rest in peace XANITA. A lot of strength Luis, Elena and family."

Former Barca winger Gerard Deulofeu added: "Rest in peace Xana. All the strength of the world for Luis Enrique and the family. Without words we stay."

Enrique was Barca boss between 2014 and 2017 and led them to two league titles, three Copa del Rey triumphs and the Champions League in 2015.

He replaced Fernando Hierro as Spain boss after their disastrous World Cup campaign in 2018 and managed the national team in seven matches before stepping aside due to his daughter's health.