Mino Raiola has died aged 54, the agent’s family has confirmed.
Raiola, one of football’s most recognisable agents, was the representative of a host of household names including Paul Pogba, Erling Haaland and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Raiola had been in a critical condition at a Milan hospital. Reports of his death circulated in the Italian media on Thursday, though this speculation was furiously denied by a spokesperson.
However, a statement released by Raiola’s family on Saturday confirmed he had passed away.
The letter, which was released on Raiola’s official Twitter account, read: “In infinite sorrow we share the passing of the most caring and amazing football agent that ever was.
“Mino fought until the end with the same strength he put on negotiation tables to defend our players. As usual, Mino made us proud and never realised it.
“Mino touched so many lives through his work and wrote a new chapter in the history of modern football. His presence will forever be missed.
“Mino’s mission of making football a better place for players will continue with the same passion.
“We thank everybody for the huge amount of support received during these difficult times and ask for respect to the privacy of family and friends in this moment of grief.”
On Thursday, a tweet from Raiola’s account said: “Current health status for the ones wondering: p****d off, second time in four months they kill me. Seem also able to resuscitate.”
It was reported in January that Raiola had undergone emergency surgery. However, a post on his Twitter account stated he had only been in hospital for checks.
Haaland, one of Raiola’s highly sought-after clients who has been linked heavily with a move to Manchester City ahead of next season, was in action for Borussia Dortmund when the news was confirmed.
In response, the Norway striker’s father, Alfe-Inge, tweeted: “R.I.P. The best.”
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