Former European Cup winner with Liverpool Michael Robinson dies

Former Republic of Ireland international Michael Robinson has died aged 61.

Michael Robinson (left) lifting the 1984 European Cup with Liverpool Source: Getty Images

Robinson was best remembered for winning the European Cup in 1984 with Liverpool as well as the English league title that season. 

The former striker also had stints with Brighton & Hove Albion, Preston North End, Queens Park Rangers and Manchester City. 

He played his last two seasons in Spain with Osasuna where he finished his career in 1989. 

After retiring, Robinson became one of the most popular football commentators in Spain, despite Spanish not being his native language. 

Speaking to Simon Hughes, Robinson said "I came over on 7 January 1987. I didn't know if I was going to be here forever. But something strange happened. I enjoyed more or less everything about Spain and the way the Spanish interpreted life. I finished up realising that I had loads in common with the Spaniards. We laughed about the same things, cried about the same things."

Robinson's program Informe Robinson made award winning documentaries, like the one below about Spain's 2010 World Cup success. 

Informe Robinson Spain ENGLISH SUBTITLES 1 of 6 from farmo on Vimeo.

Robinson's family announce his death via his Twitter account. 

"(It is) 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." 

Already legends of Spanish football have paid tribute including Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia.