MADRID, Aug. 30 -- Former Spain national team coach Luis Enrique announced late on Thursday that his nine-year-old daughter Xana has died of bone cancer.

"Our daughter Xana has passed away this afternoon at the age of nine after fighting for five intense months against osteosarcoma."

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

"Our thanks goes to the staff of the Sant 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 at 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," he wrote.

Luis Enrique had to leave the Spain squad on the eve of a game in Malta in March when his daughter's illness was first known, though the reason was not revealed to the press at the time.

In June, he officially resigned as Spain coach to help care for Xana and was replaced by his former assistant Roberto Moreno.

Following the news of his daughter's death, condolences have flooded in from all over Spain, with many sporting and political figures expressing their sympathy.

【体坛英语资讯：Luis Enriques 9-year-old daughter dies of cancer】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Draft law seeks to find life after sport

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Kate Moss mascara ads banned after complaints her lashes were false

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Bruce Willis girlfriend strips off for lingerie campaign

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Penelope flashes her assets in sexy new Mango ad

★ 体坛英语资讯：Rocket explosion

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears tops Hollywood meltdowns of 2007

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Accused Uma Thurman stalker rejects deal

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Julianne Moores valentine to charity

★ 体坛英语资讯：Yao delivers victory in national team return

★ 体坛英语资讯：United draws Roma again, Liverpool faces Arsenal