By Dipo Olowookere
The family of renowned football agent, Mr Mino Raiola, has confirmed his death in a statement issued on Saturday.
It was earlier rumoured that he died after battling an illness but this was quickly dispelled as it was later reported that he was fighting to remain alive at a medical facility.
Today, the family issued a statement to confirm his passing but asked for respect for the privacy of family and friends in this moment of grief.
In the disclosure, the family did not explain the type of illness the Italian agent suffered but it thanked many for their support.
“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,” the statement said.
It was reported that Raiola was admitted to the San Raffaele hospital in Milan and was in its intensive care department.
The super football agent was born in Italy but later relocated to the Netherlands with his family.
He was the agent of Manchester United’s Paul Pogba and Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland. His first major deal was the transfer of Pavel Nedved from Sparta Prague to Lazio in 1996.