Afia Ohemeng
Michael Robinson, the former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland forward, has died at the age of 61.
A statement published on Robinson’s verified Twitter account on Tuesday confirmed the news, reading:
“With tremendous sadness we tell you about Michael’s passing.
“It leaves us with a great emptiness, but also countless memories, filled with the same love that you have shown for him. We will be eternally grateful to you for making this man SO HAPPY, he never walked alone. Thank you.”
Robinson, who the European Cup, Division One title and the League Cup in 1984 in his first – and only – full season with Liverpool, revealed in December 2018 he had been diagnosed with a malignant melanoma.
During a career which started with Preston, Robinson also played for Brighton, Manchester City, QPR and Osasuna. He scored four goals in 24 appearances for the Republic of Ireland.
After his spell with Osasuna, Robinson remained in Spain, going on to develop a formidable career as a broadcaster.
The tributes started pouring in for Robinson, with Liverpool’s former Spanish internationals Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia taking to Twitter to pass on their condolences.
Alonso wrote: “You’ll never walk alone Michael!! Rest in peace.”
Garcia wrote: “R.I.P Michael Robinson. The Liverpool legend that got in all the Spanish homes with his fantastic commentaries every Weekend !! #YNWA”
Spanish giants Barcelona said on the social networking site: “We at FC Barcelona wish to express our deepest condolences for the passing of Michael Robinson, a person who loved football and who knew how to explain it with knowledge and ingenuity.
“He was the winner of the 2018 Vazquez Montalban International Journalism Award. Rest In Peace”
Tributes have poured in for Michael Robinson following his tragic passing.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation said in a statement: “The RFEF wishes to join the pain of the football world over the death of Michael Robinson. All of us who form this institution wish to express our condolences to their family and friends. Rest in peace.”
Former Liverpool team-mate Graeme Souness revealed he was very close with Robinson dating back to their time together on Merseyside.
In a touching interview on the Football Show on Sky Sports, Souness said: “He was a close pal of mine and I’m absolutely sick for his family. It’s a sad day for me.
“I’ve tried to ring him a couple of times in the last couple of weeks and Michael’s a very emotional man and he wouldn’t pick up the phone any more to me.
“It was only last night where I was thinking ‘I’m going to try him and try him till I get him’. I thought I won’t ring him now because he may be in his bed having an early night and I was going to ring him today.
“And I’ve not got a chance to speak to him.”
