The fans of Luis Enrique and the fans of Paris Saint-Germain had moving tribute to the daughter of the manager, Xana, who died nine in August 2019 after a bone cancer fight
Luis Enrique had a moving tribute for his deceased daughter in the aftermath of the thumping victory of Paris Saint-Germain over Inter Milan in the Champions League final. PSG claimed their first victory in the competition in a certain style, in which Inter 5-0 was beaten in Munich, and there were emotional scenes after the last whistle.
Enrique lost his daughter Xana in August 2019 at the age of just nine. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, just a few months in advance.
The Spanish manager had previously led Barcelona to Glory in the Champions League, in 2015 – and a moment of that night resonated on Saturday in Munich. At the time, Xana was brought on the field and at an iconic moment a Barca flag planted in the grass.
After PSG's Thrashing was confirmed, Enrique did not last long for a final victory margin of the Champions League before he turned into a new T-shirt, which showed Xana's triumphal moment. Minutes later the PSG Ultras unfolded a gigantic Tifo with exactly the same photo.
Enrique looked full of emotion when he stood in front of the PSG supporters, after he had delivered a Treble for the second time in his career.
“Xana is in my victory, even more in the defeat, and with my family who are all there,” said the PSG boss after the game. “This is not time to be sad or emotional. Xana will always be with me and my family.”
Regarding the wall painting that the fans are dedicated to him, he also said that “it was incredible.” He added: “Love from the fans and for my family.
“But I don't have to win Champions League to remember my daughter. She is always present, with us. I feel it when we also lose, it crystallizes all the positive points we lived.”
The 55-year-old has previously talked movingly about how Xana continues to guide him and his work almost six years after she died. “I have incredible memories because my daughter loved parties, and I am sure she is still throwing them where she is,” Enrique said before the competition.
“I remember an incredible photo that I have with her on the Champions League final in Berlin, after winning the Champions League, planting an FC Barcelona flag on the field.
“I hope to be able to do the same with PSG. My daughter will not be there, she will not be physical, but she will be spiritual, and that is very important to me. I am motivated to continue with what life gives me, sharing it with my family.”
In the documentary 'Luis Enrique from 2024: you have no idea', he sketched the way he thinks about his daughter and her early death.
“My daughter came to live with us for nine wonderful years,” he said. “We have a thousand memories of her. You can ask if I consider myself happy or unhappy. I consider myself happy. Very happy.
“My mother couldn't keep photos of Xana until I got home and asked her:” Why are there no pictures of Xana, Mom? ” “I can't do it, I can't.” Mom, you have to say [up photos of] Xana. Xana lives. '
'She's not in the physical [sense] But she's in the spiritual [sense] Because we talk about her every day, we laugh and remember because I think Xana still sees us. “
About TNT sports, Rio Ferdinand referred to his own personal tragedy to lose his wife Rebecca Ellison in 2015 to breast cancer when discussing Enrique's performance.
“Luis Enrique is a remarkable person,” he said. “I have been in a position where you have had a loss and it is difficult to know how you will respond. He went on and went into force.”
Desire Doue set up the opening goal for Achraf Hakimi before he walked twice. He paid tribute to Enrique in his interview after the game. “He has been here for two years,” he said. “Tactically, mentally a really good coach, an incredible coach. Even as a person. It is a pleasure to work with him.”
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard also poured the manager with praise. “Does Luis Enrique learn to be mentioned in the same breath as Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola?” he said. “The answer is yes.
“This team that he has put together and compiled in the past year or two can beat you in a certain way. The talent in this team – it is a special group of players and they are also coached by a special person.”