Michael Robinson dead: Former Liverpool striker dies aged 61

Robinson ended his career in Spain with Osasuna before settling in the country

Robinson playing for Liverpool in 1983 (Getty Images)

Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland striker Michael Robinson has died at the age of 61.

A tweet from Robinson’s verified Twitter account on Tuesday confirmed the news, saying: “With tremendous sadness we tell you about Michael’s passing.

“It leaves us with a great emptiness, but also countless memories, filled with the same love that you have shown for him.

“We will be eternally grateful to you for making this man SO HAPPY, he never walked alone. Thank you.”

Robinson, who the European Cup, Division One title and the League Cup in 1984 in his first – and only – full season with Liverpool, revealed in December 2018 he had been diagnosed with a malignant melanoma.

During a career which started with Preston, Robinson also played for Brighton, Manchester City, QPR and Osasuna. He scored four goals in 24 appearances for the Republic of Ireland.

After his spell with Osasuna, Robinson settled in Spain and enjoyed an award-winning broadcasting career in Spain after retiring as a player.

“He was a big pal of mine,” his former team-mate, Graeme Souness, said on Sky Sports.

“I have so many fond memories of being in his company. If you were going for a night out Michael would always be the first one you’d invite. He was a charming man with great stories. I’m really sad for Chris and his kids. I know he’s been fighting this for a number of years now and it’s been difficult for him.”

“He was a close pal of mine and I’m sick for his family. It’s a sad day for me. I’ve tried to ring him a couple of times over the last couple of weeks and Michael was a very emotional man and he wouldn’t pick up the phone to me any more. It was only last night I thought ‘I’m going to try and try until I get him’ and I was going to ring him today and now I don’t have the chance to speak to him.”

Tributes for Robinson also poured in from Spain, with Liverpool’s former Spanish internationals Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia taking to Twitter to pass on their condolences.

Alonso wrote: “You’ll never walk alone Michael!! Rest in peace.”

Garcia wrote: “R.I.P Michael Robinson. The Liverpool legend that got in all the Spanish homes with his fantastic commentaries every Weekend !! £YNWA.”

Spanish giants Barcelona said on the social networking site: “We at FC Barcelona wish to express our deepest condolences for the passing of Michael Robinson, a person who loved football and who knew how to explain it with knowledge and ingenuity.

“He was the winner of the 2018 Vazquez Montalban International Journalism Award. Rest In Peace.”

The Royal Spanish Football Federation said in a statement: “The RFEF wishes to join the pain of the football world over the death of Michael Robinson. All of us who form this institution wish to express our condolences to their family and friends. Rest in peace.”