Former Irish international striker Michael Robinson has passed away aged 61 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Robinson was best known since his retirement as an analyst and commentator on Spanish football, having been based there since finishing his playing career at Osasuna.
Born in Leicester, Robinson represented Ireland 24 times between 1980 and 1986, scoring four goals. His biggest goal was in a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in Rotterdam during World Cup '82 qualifiers.
A month later, he also scored against France in Lansdowne Road.
At club level, Robinson established himself at Brighton following spells at Preston and Manchester City, and played in the 1983 FA Cup final. He then spent the 1983/84 treble winning season at Liverpool, playing behind Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush, though he played 30 times, winning League Cup and League medals, and appeared as a substitute in the European Cup final win.
Robinson announced on Twitter in December that he was suffering from cancer and today his family released a statement on the same Twitter account announcing that he had sadly lost that battle.
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
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
Tributes have been pouring in for the 61-year-old in the short time since the announcement.
Nos levantamos con la triste noticia del fallecimiento de uno de los nuestros. Fuiste quien nos alegró siempre el deporte. Te estamos agradecidos.
D.E.P. @michaelrobinson
Un abrazo y todo el ánimo posible a su familia. pic.twitter.com/SRi5GvlLvj— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) April 28, 2020
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. RIP Michael Robinson. A hug and all possible encouragement to your family.
Nice tribute from Graeme Souness to Former Ireland and Liverpool striker Michael Robinson who died today at 61. pic.twitter.com/CFjq9RbZFQ
— Steven Douglas (@stevenontour) April 28, 2020
R.I.P Michael Robinson. The Liverpool legend that got in all the Spanish homes with his fantastic commentaries every Weekend !! #YNWA pic.twitter.com/GihZPkUd80
— Luis Garcia (@luchogarcia14) April 28, 2020
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 https://t.co/neffvb2iPi MATE..😢
— Mark Lawrenson (@MTLawrenson) April 28, 2020
The FAI is saddened to learn of the death of former Ireland international Michael Robinson
Michael played 24 games at senior level, scoring four goals during the 1980s
May he rest in peace ☘️ pic.twitter.com/IL3fpOMC1j— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) April 28, 2020
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 (@LFC) April 28, 2020
We are deeply sorry for the passing of Michael Robinson. His legacy will always remain among us.
Our condolences to his loved ones.
RIP, @michaelrobinson. pic.twitter.com/BwMX9UUk2o— C. A. OSASUNA (@caosasuna_en) April 28, 2020
Michael Robinson’s surging run down the right side to cross for Mickey Walsh to fire home against the USSR in 1984 pic.twitter.com/QUyWluLzSm
— Irish Football Pics (@irish_pics) April 28, 2020
Michael Robinson grew up in Lancashire, started out at Preston, played in the FA Cup final v MUFC and won a European Cup with Liverpool. He finished playing at Osasuna and stayed in Spain, a country he loved. He then became a high profile and award winning journalist. RIP/DEP.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) April 28, 2020
Former Liverpool star Michael Robinson has sadly died aged 61, following a battle with cancer. He won the 1st division, League Cup and European Cup in 1983/84. Our thoughts are with his family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fatyhwhgAn
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) April 28, 2020
