Former Liverpool player Michael Robinson dies aged 61

"We’re deeply saddened by the passing of former player Michael Robinson, aged 61." - Liverpool on Twitter [COURTESY]

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

Robinson, who hung his football boots after playing for Osasuna in Spain announced in 2018 that he had been diagnosed with ‘malignant melanoma’ (metastatic cancer).

Robinson’s family took to his social media account to make the announcement: “With tremendous sadness we inform you of Michael’s death. It leaves us with a great emptiness but also countless memories full of the same love that you have shown him. We will be eternally grateful to you for making this man so happy, he never walked alone. Thank you.”

Con tremenda tristeza os comunicamos el fallecimiento de Michael. Nos deja un gran vacío, pero también innumerables recuerdos, llenos del mismo amor que le habéis demostrado. Os estaremos eternamente agradecidos por haber hecho a este hombre TAN FELIZ, nunca caminó solo. Gracias — Michael Robinson (@michaelrobinson) April 28, 2020

The ex-Republic of Ireland international started his career at Preston before having stints with Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers, Liverpool and Brighton.

He was among the Liverpool squad that won the European treble in 1984.

Robinson also won the League and League Cup with Liverpool, and was part of the Brighton squad to play in the 1983 FA Cup final.

For Ireland, he boasted 23 caps.

He also had a career as a broadcaster in Spain following his retirement.

Liverpool, Manchester City, Brighton, Barcelona are among the top clubs that have paid tribute to Robinson, with Barcelona describing him as a person who had knowledge and ingenuity in football.

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. pic.twitter.com/o8Zu3hjICc — Liverpool FC (at ????) (@LFC) April 28, 2020

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 Vázquez Montalbán International Journalism Award. Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/IsMAooaxmm — FC Barcelona (from ????) (@FCBarcelona) April 28, 2020

???? A legend, some great memories here.#BHAFC ?????? pic.twitter.com/Bu6CsWC779 — Brighton & Hove Albion (at ????) (@OfficialBHAFC) April 28, 2020

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Robinson.

Everyone at Manchester City sends their love and thoughts to Michael's family and friends at this extremely difficult time. ???? pic.twitter.com/juXEoTCQSM — Manchester City (@ManCity) April 28, 2020