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.

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