FORMER Liverpool and Republic of Ireland star Michael Robinson has died at the age of 61.
The ex-Man City forward and popular TV presenter was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2018.
Former Liverpool striker Michael Robinson has died aged 61
A tweet from his official Twitter account read: “With tremendous sadness we inform you of Michael’s death. It leaves us with a great emptiness, but also countless memories, full of the same love that you have shown him.
“We will be eternally grateful to you for making this man SO HAPPY, he never walked alone. Thank you.”
Robinson won the European Cup, First Division and League Cup with the all-conquering Liverpool side of 1983-84.
He made 113 appearances for Brighton, while also enjoying spells with Preston and QPR before hanging up his boots in 1989 after a stint with Spanish side Osasuna.
Robinson – who leaves a wife, Christine, and two children, Liam and Aimee – scored four goals in his 24 appearances with Ireland between 1980 and 1986 before going on to become a much loved figure in television and even film.
He voiced the ugly sister in the Spanish dubbed version of the blockbuster Shrek movies and hosted the award-winning Informe Robinson TV show.
The much loved former player was also a star on Spanish TVCredit: EPA
Robinson was part of the dominant Liverpool side that included Graeme Souness and Alan HansenCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Robinson won the European Cup in 1984Credit: PA:Empics Sport
Robinson celebrates the European triumph with former Reds keeper Bruce GrobbelaarCredit: PA:Empics Sport
The former footballer turned his passion for sport into a second career as a presenter and commentatorCredit: Canal+
Robinson’s former Liverpool team-mate Graeme Souness held back tears while paying tribute to his friend.
He told told Sky Sports’ Football Show: “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.”
Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos was among the first to express his condolences on social media.
He tweeted: “Michael Robinson met Paqui’s son and I was lucky to meet Michael Robinson. My love to your family and friends. D.E.P. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
England legend Gary Lineker said: “Very sorry to hear that Michael Robinson has passed away. Not only a fine footballer, but was also a great success post football in Spain, having his own television show there for many years… and that is quite an achievement. RIP Michael.”
Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery tweeted: “DEP Michael and my condolences to all your family and friends. We will miss you very much but your legacy and your stamp, marked by your smile and your accent, will continue walking accompanied by the world of football and sports. A big hug wherever you are.”
Tennis great Rafael Nadal posted a photo of himself with Robinson with the message: “We woke up with the sad news of the death of one of our own.
“You were the one who always made us happy about sport. We are grateful to you. D.E.P @michaelrobinson A hug and all possible encouragement to your family.”
Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas posted: “Until forever friend, rest in peace.”
Britain’s Ambassador to Spain Simon Manley said: “So sad to hear of the death of Michael Robinson.
“A great footballer player, including for my own beloved QPR, an extraordinary communicator and a true ambassador for Spanish-Irish-British relations.
Nadal shared this photo of himself with Robinson as he paid tribute
Fabregas posted this message expressing his condolences
“An honour to know him. RIP Michael Robinson.”
Osasuna said in a tweet: “We are devastated by the death of Michael Robinson.
“His legacy will always be with us. We send our most heartfelt embrace to his loved ones. Rest in peace Michael Robinson.”
Robinson, who is believed to have died in Marbella with his family by his side, revealed he had advanced melanoma skin cancer on a radio show in Spain just under 18 months ago.
He said: “I would prefer not to have to fight this battle but regrettably I’m in that battle and I’m determined I’m going to beat it.”
Robinson, back row, second left, with Liverpool after winning the League CupCredit: PA:Press Association
The former footballer became a hit on Spanish TVCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Admitting the specialist who saw him told him: “Michael you’ve got cancer, a bad one, of the sort that are not curable”, he added: “I don’t remember the rest of what he told me because I was thinking I was in the middle of a nightmare.
“They said I had a melanoma. Obviously melanoma normally is not in the armpit, it’s in the skin.
“The metastasis had travelled and it showed itself up in my armpit.
“For a couple of days I didn’t really know what day it was. I thought it was a bad dream and in any case I thought it was minor and I would go to the hospital the following day and I’d be told, ‘We’ve made a mistake Michael’.
“One day, while I was having a beer, I told myself that science had spoken and I had a bad advanced cancer and the cancer had dictated a series of circumstances.
“I now have to decide how to live. I have that power.”
He had continued to work and retained his much-loved sense of humour and high spirits to the end, telling an interviewer last October: “Cancer can kill me once, sooner rather than later I hope, but it’s not going to do it every day.
“I have come to terms with what’s happening, I know what’s occurring and I’m full of optimism and enjoying life.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
