FORMER Real Madrid, Celta de Vigo and Valencia CF goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares has paid an emotional tribute to his five-year-old son who has just died after a long illness.
Santi, one of triplets along with Martina and India, born to Cañizares and his wife Mayte García in February 2018, was said to have been suffering a 'rare' condition for the last 18 months which required him to be constantly in medical treatment, but the nature of it has not been revealed, although it is believed to be a form of cancer.
Ex-national team player Cañizares revealed on Twitter that he had lost his son just three weeks after it was reported that the child's health was deteriorating rapidly.
“I think I should be the one to tell you all, as a thanks for all the support and affection I've received from you,” Cañizares wrote to fans in his message.
“[Santi] has left us surrounded in peace, and having understood his mission in the five years he has been with us.”
The football commentator, who works for Movístar + and Cadena SER, concluded his message with the hashtag #santicampeon ('Santi Champion').
Santi, Martina and India also have an elder sister, Sofía – Cañizares' and Mayte's first child together – and Santiago also has three young children from his first marriage, Carlota, Lucás and Olivia.
Valencia CF created a shirt for the little boy when he first became ill, bearing the name 'Santi' and the number 1, as his dad used to wear during the 10 seasons he played for the club based at the eastern city's Mestalla stadium.
This was the last club Cañizares played for before his retirement from the sport and his becoming match commentator, and players and fans have been flooding social media with messages of condolences.
Since little Santi was diagnosed, his parents have dedicated their entire lives to making every one of his dreams come true so he could enjoy each moment of his short life.
The photograph (by Darz Mol on Wikimedia Commons) shows Cañizares in 2006 when he was still goalkeeper for Valencia, in a match against FC Barcelona.
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