Luis Enrique remembers daughter who died after World Cup draw

Spain coach Luis Enrique said it was a “special day” after his side’s 1-1 draw with Germany at the World Cup on Sunday.

But it had nothing to do with football.

Luis Enrique said Sunday would have been the 13th birthday of his daughter, Xana Martínez, who died three years ago of a rare form of bone cancer.

“It was a special day for me and my family,” said Luis Enrique. “Obviously we don’t have our daughter physically with us anymore, but she’s still there every day. We remember her a lot, we laugh and think about how she would act in every situation we go through.

Luis Enrique previously posted a video on Instagram in which he said that “not only are we playing against Germany today, but Xanita would have been 13”. He wished her “a good day” wherever she is right now.

“That’s how life works,” he said after the game. “It’s not just about beautiful things and finding happiness, it’s about knowing how to manage those moments.”

Luis Enrique, 52, former Barcelona player and coach, is taking part in his first World Cup as Spain coach. He left the national team after discovering his daughter’s cancer, returning some time later.

Spain will advance to the Round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar if they avoid defeat against Japan in their final group stage game on Thursday.

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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports