Devotees of Paris Saint-Germain football club are inconsolable following the passing of their daughter.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) emerged victorious in the Champions League, securing a historic win against Inter Milan (5-0) in Munich. For coach Luis Enrique, the triumph was an emotional achievement, serving as a poignant tribute to his late daughter Xana.
Diagnosed with a malignant bone tumor, Xana passed away in 2019 at the age of nine. Following the triumphant game, an emotional Enrique revealed a black T-shirt emblazoned with a drawing of him and Xana, alongside a PSG club flag. Reminiscing on the heart-wrenching loss, Enrique also acknowleded the emotional gesture by PSG fans, who unfurled a giant banner in his and Xana's honor. The coach was visibly moved by the display, fighting back tears as he expressed his gratitude.
"Xana is always with us," Enrique asserted, addressing the crowd. "We always think of her, we love her. We carry her in our hearts forever."
This wasn't the first time Enrique had used sports as a platform to memorialize his daughter. During his reign with FC Barcelona in 2015, following their successful Champions League campaign, Enrique was photographed cavorting with Xana on the Berlin Olympic Stadium pitch. The heartwarming images, with Xana wearing a Barcelona jersey and clutching a club flag, quickly became a global phenomenon. It was a cherished memory that Enrique wished to recreate, even as he strived to honor Xana in this momentouos victory.
Enrique resigned from his post as Spanish national coach in March 2019, citing the need to be by Xana's side during her brave battle against cancer. The impact of Xana's memory on Enrique's life and career is evident, as he established the Xana Foundation along with his wife, Elena Cullell, in the aftermath of her tragic passing.
The coach was the undisputed star of the night, with former Dortmund player Achraf Hakimi lauding Enrique's contributions to the sport. "He's changed everything. He has a different way of seeing football," Hakimi proclaimed. "After all he's been through, it's great that he can experience this. He deserves it more than anyone."
Sources: ntv.de, tno/sid/dpa
"Luis Enrique, the triumphant coach of Paris Saint-Germain, expressed his deep affection for his late daughter Xana during the Champions League victory, acknowledging the impact she had on his life and career. In a nod to their shared love for sports, Enrique revealed that he initially found solace in football, often being photographed with Xana at various Italian and European leagues matches, including a memorable appearance during his time with FC Barcelona in the Champions League."
"Despite stepping down from his position as Spanish national coach to be by Xana's side during her battle with cancer, Enrique's passion for football has never wavered. Through his Xana Foundation, established following Xana's passing, Enrique remains committed to using sports as a platform to honor his daughter's memory and make a positive impact."
