In this Feb 19, 2019 photo, Michael Robinson, soccer player and broadcaster, speaks during press conference in Madrid, Spain. (EUROPA PRESS VIA AP)

MADRID - Former Liverpool and Ireland striker, Michael Robinson, who became famous in Spain as a TV commentator after ending his playing career, has died at the age of 61, his family have confirmed.

The family used his social media accounts to explain:  "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."

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Robinson began his career at Preston and also played for Brighton, Queens Park Rangers and Manchester City, but is best known in the UK for forming part of the Liverpool squad that won a League title, League Cup and European Cup treble in 1984

"We will be eternally grateful to you for making this man SO HAPPY, he never walked alone. Thank you."

Robinson began his career at Preston and also played for Brighton, Queens Park Rangers and Manchester City, but is best known in the UK for forming part of the Liverpool squad that won a League title, League Cup and European Cup treble in 1984.

He joined Spanish team Osasuna in 1987 but as the final years of his playing career were blighted by injuries, the fact he had learned Spanish quickly allowed him to move into broadcasting and he has been one of the main voices covering the Spanish Football League (LaLiga) since the start of the 1990's. He also did work on radio and even provided a voiceover in the Spanish version of the cartoon film 'Shrek'.

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He confirmed in December 2018 that he has been diagnosed with a malignant melanoma, but despite explaining later that it was incurable, Robinson continued to work until football was suspended in Spain after March 8th because of the coronavirus.

LaLiga 'tweeted' that "We have lost a great player and one of the most charismatic voices of our game."