World football has been saddened by the news that Real Betis player Miki Roqué has passed away, aged 23, after losing his battle against pelvic cancer. His death follows that of coach Manolo Preciado, who died a few weeks ago. Surely it’s a sad June for the football world and the Spanish national team players, who once again started their latest training session with a minute of silence.

Cesc Fábregas, who spoke at a press conference, underlined that the news about Miki was “very painful for everyone. Puyol always said wonderful things about him, he was a fantastic person.”  Fabregas added that “there were many reasons to win this Euro tournament, the loss of two great persons of Spanish football: Manolo Preciado and Miki Roqué gives us an extra inner motivation.” The player concluded his emotional statement by saying that Roqué ‘s death is “an injustice of life” and asked his family and friends to “be strong”.

Sergio Busquets also hopes that La Roja will be victorious at Euro 2012 and will dedicate the victory to his former teammate. Sergio and Miki Roqué met in 2000 and played together at local Catalan club Lleida.

Source: Sport.es, Picture credit: Pep Morata/MD