Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has shared a touching tribute to Mino Raiola after the super-agent sadly passed away at the age of 54 on Saturday.
Raiola represented the French midfielder across his senior career and played a big role in the player’s switch to Juventus as a free agent in the summer of 2012 and his subsequent club-record transfer fee return to Old Trafford four years later.
Raiola has become one of the most well-known figures in world football and has represented a host of high-profile stars including Pogba, Erling Haaland – who posted a tribute to Raiola on Saturday - and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Italian-Dutch agent was admitted to hospital in January, when he underwent treatment for a lung disease.
Italian reports on Thursday had indicated that Raiola had died that day, however they were soon corrected. But on Saturday a statement from his family read: “In infinite sorrow we share the passing of the most caring and amazing Football Agent there ever was.
"Mino fought to 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 Raiola Family.”
On Sunday, Pogba posted a tribute to Raiola with the words “Always in my heart. Thank you Mimi” alongside a video of photos of the pair alongside each other, celebrating their successes and enjoying time together away from football.
A number of messages have been sent out in the hours since his passing, including former Tottenham striker Mido. “Very sad to hear the news of the passing of @MinoRaiola. I learned so much from you and I wish I listened to you a bit more!! Always fought for his players no matter who was sitting on the other side of the table.”
Napoli striker Hirving Lozano scored during Napoli’s 6-1 win over Sassuolo before penning an emotional tribute of his own, to one of the great influences on his career: “I was blessed to know you and learn from you. One of my great teachers in the leagues of soccer. You are in a better place today because I am convinced that your legacy transcends life, no doubt.
“Living with you was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I will never be able to forget our talks and all the moments together. Pain is temporary, someday I'll get over it, and it will go away, instead your memory will live forever in me. I'll never stop missing you. I thank you for everything. I will honour your memory every step of the way on and off the pitch. Rest in peace Mino Raiola, sleep and dream while I arrive, we still have a second time to play.”
