Xabi Alonso, Sergio Ramos and Gary Lineker among stars to pay tribute to Michael Robinson
A host of football stars, including Xabi Alonso and Jamie Carragher have paid tribute to former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland striker Michael Robinson after he died at the age of 61.
Robinson, who the European Cup, Division One title and the League Cup in 1984 in his first – and only – full season with the Reds, 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.
Jamie Carragher paid an emotional tribute to former Liverpool player Michael Robinson
Former Liverpool star Mark Lawrenson was among those to pay tribute to his team-mate
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker also praised Robinson for forging a career in Spanish TV
Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso tweeted: ‘You’ll never walk alone Michael!!’
The Reds posted a tribute on their account with a picture of Robinson and the European Cup
Robinson scored nine goals and contributed two assists in his 40 appearances for the Reds
A host of former Liverpool stars sent messages on social media, paying tribute to the Irishman.
Mark Lawrenson, who won the European Cup in 1984 alongside Robinson, wrote: ‘Gutted to hear of the Passing of Michael Robinson(AKA The Cat)..We played Cricket together in our Teens-He followed me to PNE Then Brighton-Rep of Ireland & Finally Liverpool..He even bought my house off me in Hove.Its a Sad day in Sad times. RIP MATE..’
Alonso, who played at Anfield between 2004 and 2009, posted: ‘You’ll never walk alone Michael!! Rest in peace.’
Carragher, the legendary Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit, simply tweeted a picture of Robinson with ‘RIP Michael Robinson’ with a heartbroken emoji.
Phil Thompson added: ‘RIP Robbo top player top bloke YNWA’.
Speaking on The Football Show on Sky Sports, former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness paid tribute to Robinson, describing him as a ‘big pal’.
He said: ‘He was a big pal of mine. I’ve got so many fond memories of being in his company. If you were going out, Michael would be the first one you’d invite out. A charming man.
Speaking on The Football Show on Sky Sports, Graeme Souness paid tribute to Robinson
Liverpool chief executive Peter Moore posted a heartfelt tribute to Robinson on Twitter
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Luis Garcia also reflected on Robinson’s successful career in Spain
Former Liverpool full-back Jim Beglin declared the news about Robinson’s death ‘dreadful’
‘I’m really sad for Chris and his kids. He’d recently moved to Marbella from Madrid. He enjoyed a good year at Liverpool and then took himself off to Spain and has created a life for himself out there in the media.
‘He was a great pal of mine and I’m absolutely sick for his family. I’ve tried to ring him in the last couple of weeks, but he’s a very emotional man. He wouldn’t pick the phone up to me in the last couple of weeks. I tried again last night, and I was going to ring him today, but I never got a chance to speak to him.
‘Football is very important in all our lives, but when someone dies before their time… I’m really proud to have called him a friend of mine.’
Liverpool’s club account tweeted on Tuesday morning: ‘We’re deeply saddened by the passing of former player Michael Robinson, aged 61. The thoughts of everybody at Liverpool Football Club are with Michael’s family and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace, Michael.’
Former Liverpool attacker Luis Garcia wrote: ‘R.I.P Michael Robinson. The Liverpool legend that got in all the Spanish homes with his fantastic commentaries every Weekend!!’.
Liverpool chief executive Peter Moore added: ‘Absolutely devastated to hear of the passing of @michaelrobinson this morning.
‘I had the honour of being interviewed by him last year and spending time reminiscing about his days at @LFC What a pleasure it was…You’ll Never Walk Alone, Michael. Forever A Red..’.
Former Liverpool full-back Jim Beglin wrote: ‘Dreadful news about Michael Robinson. Another one of the good guys has been taken.
Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal posted this picture of himself and Robinson on Instagram
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos shared a brief clip of an interview he did with Robinson
Legendary Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas also posted a picture of a chat with Robinson
Barcelona chief Josep Maria Bartomeu said: ‘the world of football will feel your loss deeply’
Atletico Madrid called Robinson ‘one of the unmistakable voice of our sport’ on Twitter
Current Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian said he grew up watching Robinson on Spanish TV
After his retirement from football, Robinson forged a career as a pundit in Spanish TV and his analysis clearly left an impression of a number of the country’s famous sporting stars.
Tennis ace Rafael Nadal shared a picture of himself and Robinson on Instagram, alongside the message: ‘We woke up with the sad news of the death of one of our own. You were the one who always made us happy about sport. We are grateful to you. A hug and all the encouragement to your family. #Youwillneverwalkalone’.
‘I was lucky to meet Michael Robinson,’ said Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos. ‘My love to your family and friends. RIP You’ll Never Walk Alone.’
Fellow Spanish World Cup winner Iker Casillas added: ‘Goodbye friend, it was a pleasure to share so many moments with you. You leave a big mark. Huge hug to the family.’
A Real Madrid club statement read: ‘Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Michael Robinson, legend of Liverpool FC and CA Osasuna.
‘Real Madrid wants to express its condolences and its affection and affection to all its relatives and loved ones.’
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu wrote: ‘The world of football will feel your loss deeply. Thank you for sharing your vision of football, your kindness and your intelligence with us. RIP Michael Robinson’.
Atletico Madrid’s official account posted: ‘We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Michael Robinson, one of the unmistakable voices of our sport. His last game was the one we played against his beloved Liverpool. May he rest in peace.’
Current Liverpool stopper Adrian added: ‘I grew up watching his shows on Spanish TV. A @LFC legend, and very loved in my country too. So sad… RIP’.
