Leeds Saint-Germain's first Champions League title, coach Luis Enrique, remembers his daughter

2025-06-01 02:35

At the glorious moment when Paris Saint-Germain defeated Inter Milan 5-0 in history and lifted the Champions League trophy for the first time, coach Luis Enrique turned the glory into longing and dedicated it to his daughter who he will always miss.

At the end of the game, a huge banner was unfolded in the stands with the images of Enrique and his daughter, recreating the classic scene of him and his daughter raising the flag to celebrate after leading Barcelona to win the championship in 2015.

In the post-match interview, Enrique said emotionally: "This was a very touching game. What touched me most was that the fans still remembered me and my family."

"I don't need to win a game or the Champions League to think about my daughter, I think about her every day. She is always with our family and I feel her presence even when we lose.

Enrique's daughter Xana died of a rare bone cancer in 2019 at the age of 9. Enrique said frankly: "For us, it is about remembering everything we once had and finding the positive meaning from the negative."

"Xana will always be with us and we are thinking about her and we love her. She will always be in our hearts. I am sure she will be running on the court with us. It is a beautiful thought and it is great to share this emotion with family and friends."

Talking about the game itself, Enrique also spoke highly of the team's performance: "I said from the first day that I came here to win an important championship. Paris Saint-Germain has never won the Champions League, and we did it. This feeling is great. Not only for ourselves, but also for everyone who supports this team."