GRAEME SOUNESS has led the tributes to his friend and former Liverpool teammate Michael Robinson, who has died at the age of 61.
A Republic of Ireland international in the 1980s, the striker played for several top-flight teams before moving to Spain and becoming a hugely popular figure in the media.
Robinson was part of the dominant Liverpool side that included SounessCredit: PA:Empics Sport
At the news of his death from skin cancer on Tuesday morning, Souness spoke movingly about their time together on Merseyside and how fans adored Robinson.
The Scot, 66, told Sky Sports: “He was a big pal of mine, I’ve so many fond memories of being in his company.
“If you were going for a night out, Michael would be the first one you’d invite. A real charming man, could tell great stories.
“I’m really sad for Chris and his kids. I know he’s been fighting this for a number of years now, it’s been difficult for him.
“When you look at his career, he was a very good footballer, he enjoyed a year at Liverpool – we had a glory year and he was a big part of that.
“Then he took himself off to Spain and he created a life for himself out there and was extremely popular.
“I can remember, he phoned me up one Friday afternoon. He used to go for these long Spanish lunches and he was celebrating, he’d gone back to his office and had been out for lunch with Seve Ballesteros.
“He was walking down the street in Madrid and half a dozen people stopped and asked him for an autograph – and only one asked Seve. So he was rejoicing in that.”
‘GREAT PALS’
Robinson is survived by his wife Christine and their two children, Liam and Aimee.
Souness revealed that his ex-teammate had moved to Marbella from Madrid as he battled the illness, before heartbreakingly recounting how he had planned to get in touch with him before hearing of his death.
The former Liverpool midfielder continued: “He was a proper, proper man. My friendship started with him when he first joined Liverpool, we used to go on a Thursday night for dinner – his wife and my wife.
“And then we became great pals at Liverpool, when Kenny [Dalglish] wasn’t on a trip we’d room together.
“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 in the past couple of weeks, Michael was a very emotional man and he wouldn’t pick up the phone anymore to me.
“It was only last night I thought I’m going to try him until I get him, but I won’t ring him now because he maybe was in bed. I was going to ring him today, but I’ve not got a chance to speak to him.”
Another old colleague, Mark Lawrenson, spoke of how he and Robinson spent large parts of their career together.
The Leicester-born pundit was also a much-loved figure in SpainCredit: EPA
The ex-defender told Liverpool’s website: “It’s extremely sad. Me and Michael go back a long, long way.
“I first came across Michael when he was playing for Blackpool Cricket Club against my cricket club in Preston. I actually got him out one day and I never let him forget that! It’s quite a funny story actually that Michael seemed to follow me around wherever I played.
“We used to call him the ‘Cat’ in the dressing room at Anfield because he was light on his feet, that typical dressing room humour, and he absolutely loved it and was one of the lads.”
“Robbo was such a whole-hearted player. He would give you absolutely everything and he wouldn’t try to do things that he couldn’t.”
After finishing his playing days in Spain, Robinson set himself up there and became a hugely successful media personality.
You were the one who always made us happy about sport. We are grateful to you. RIP, Michael.”
Rafael Nadal
And it was a testament to how loved he was in the country that tributes poured in from a wide-range of figures.
Cesc Fabregas posted online: “Until forever, friend. Rest in peace.”
Rafael Nadal tweeted: “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. RIP, Michael. A hug and all possible encouragement to your family.”
Football journalist Antoni Bassas wrote: “Farewell to a man who had a gift for communication, with a good-natured personality, respectful of footballers and fans, who always invited us to look at the best of football and not its miseries.”
Basketball star Pau Gasol added: “Thank you for all the good times you have left us. Rest in peace, Michael.”
And ex-Formula 1 driver Pedro de la Rosa commented: “How sad, I will never forget how much he liked to talk about F1 in the corridors at Movistar. Unforgettable moments in which he hypnotised you with his stories. RIP Michael. I am sure he will never walk alone.”
TRIBUTES POUR IN
Having begun his career with Preston, the forward moved to Manchester City and Brighton, where he appeared in the 1983 FA Cup final, before spells with Liverpool and QPR.
In one season at Anfield, Robinson won the First Division, League Cup and European Cup – coming off the bench in the Reds’ famous win over Roma in the Stadio Olimpico.
Former teams added their voices to the tributes on Tuesday morning.
Preston posted online: “Everyone at Preston North End is saddened to hear of the passing of our 1979 player of the year Michael Robinson at the age of 61, after a long battle with illness. Our thoughts are with Michael’s family and friends and this sad time.”
Liverpool’s official account wrote: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of former player Michael Robinson, aged 61.
“The thoughts of everybody at Liverpool Football Club are with Michael’s family and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace, Michael.”
And LaLiga side Osasuna tweeted: “We are deeply sorry for the passing of Michael Robinson. His legacy will always remain among us. Our condolences to his loved ones. RIP.”
Robinson earned 24 caps for Republic of IrelandCredit: Getty – Contributor
The striker came on as a substitute to Liverpool’s famous 1984 triumph in RomeCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
