Emotional Tribute in Munich: PSG Fans Honor Luis Enrique’s Late Daughter After Champions League Triumph
Luis Enrique had a touching tribute for his late daughter in the aftermath of Paris Saint-Germain's thumping win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final. PSG claimed their maiden win in the competition in some style, thrashing Inter 5-0 in Munich, and there were emotional scenes after the final whistle.
Enrique lost his daughter Xana in August 2019 at the age of just nine. She had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, just a few months beforehand.
The Spanish manager had previously led Barcelona to glory in the Champions League, back in 2015 - and a moment from that night resonated on Saturday in Munich. Xana had made it onto the pitch and planted a Barca flag in the turf in an iconic moment.
After PSG's thrashing was confirmed, Enrique didn't take long before he changed into a new T-shirt, which showed Xana's triumphant moment. Minutes later and the PSG ultras unfurled a gigantic tifo showing the exact same photo.
Enrique looked full of emotion as he stood in front of the PSG supporters, having delivered a treble for the second time in his career.
The 55-year-old has spoken movingly about how Xana continues to guide him and his work, nearly six years after she passed away.
"I have incredible memories because my daughter loved parties, and I'm sure she's still throwing them wherever she is," Enrique said before the match
"I remember an incredible photo I have with her at the Champions League final in Berlin, after winning the Champions League, planting an FC Barcelona flag on the pitch.
"I hope to be able to do the same with PSG. My daughter won't be there, she won't be there physically, but she will be there spiritually, and that's very important to me. I'm motivated to continue moving forward with what life gives me, sharing it with my family."
Speaking on TNT Sports, former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard showered the manager with praise. "Does Luis Enrique deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola?" he said. "The answer is yes.
"This team he has created and put together over the past year or two can beat you in any given way. The talent across this squad - it is a special group of players and they're getting coached by a special person as well."
