La Liga to hold minute’s silence after tragic death of Luis Enrique’s daughter

A MINUTE’S silence will be held at every match in the first two divisions of Spain’s La Liga this weekend in remembrance of Luis Enrique’s daughter who died this week.

Nine-year-old Xana passed away after a five-month battle with bone cancer.

La Liga announced in a statement: “A minute of silence will be held ahead of all La Liga Santander and La Liga Smartbank matches this weekend in memory of Xana, daughter of Luis Enrique.”

Luis Enrique, who managed Barcelona to La Liga titles twice, was manager of Spain but he resigned the post in June in order to spend more time with his daughter after she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

Following Xana’s death Luis Enrique issued a statement which read: “Our daughter Xana passed away this afternoon (August 29) aged nine after fighting for five intense months with osteosarcoma (bone cancer).

“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.”