Miki Roque loses battle with cancer

LONDON - Agence France-Presse

A file photograph dated on 05 March 2011 of Real Betis' Spanish defender Miki Roque during a press conference offered to announce his retirement because of a bone cancer, in Sevilla, southern Spain. EPA Photo

Former Liverpool defender Miki Roque has died at the age of 23 after losing his battle with cancer, the English Premier League club announced on June 24.

The Spanish player was on Liverpool’s books between 2005 and 2009 and was part of their FA Youth Cup winning team in 2006.

He made just one substitute appearance for the first team in a Champions League clash with Galatasaray in December 2006.

After being released by Liverpool in 2009, he joined Real Betis but was diagnosed with pelvic cancer in March, 2011.

“Everyone at Liverpool Football Club would like to send their thoughts to Miki’s family at this sad time,” said a Liverpool statement.

Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez tweeted: “I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family of my former player Miki Roque, it is a tragedy to lose such a good boy so young.”

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque also expressed shock and sadness at news of the death of Miki Roque,
“We were surprised at the news out here in Poland and we are all shocked and saddened - though we knew he was seriously ill.

“We wish to send an enormous hug to all the boy’s family and his loved ones as well as to his club and to fans of Real Betis,” Del Bosque said.