Ex-Spain and Barcelona boss Luis Enrique pays tribute to daughter Xana after her tragic death

Luis Enrique took to the microblogging site Twitter Thursday evening confirming Xana's death and thanking hospital staff for their care over an 'intense five months."

Madrid: Former Barcelona and Spain manager Luis Enrique has paid tribute to his nine-year-old daughter Xana after she succumbed to bone cancer.

The 49-year-old took to the microblogging site Twitter Thursday evening confirming Xana's death and thanking hospital staff for their care over an 'intense five months."

"We will miss you lots but we will remember you every day of our lives, with the hope that in the future we'll meet each other again," read the statement.

"You'll be the star that guides our family."

The former Spain national team coach had decided to quit his job with La Furia Roja in June to spend time with his family, thanked those who sent good wishes but asked for "discretion and understanding."

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) led the tributes on Twitter, saying it "mourned the sad loss of little Xana."

"We want to show our condolences to family and friends, joining us all today to their pain," it tweeted.

Enrique's former player Lionel Messi also paid his respect to young Xana.

"We are with you, all the strength of the world," the Argentine wrote on Twitter.

Spain and Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea said he was "speechless," while Enrique's former club Barcelona offered "condolences and all our sympathy."

Meanwhile, Spain's tennis legend Rafael Nadal expressed his solidarity with Enrique's family.

"I am very sad and I cannot imagine the pain of the family. A huge hug to Luis Enrique and the whole family from a distance. A lot of strength and courage in these hard times," he tweeted.