Mino Raiola, a famous football agent, has died at the age of 54.
Mino Raiola, a well-known football agent, has worked with some of the sport’s top names, including Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Erling Haaland, Matthijs de Ligt, and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
He was said to have been sick for some time and had to utilize his official Twitter handle on Thursday, April 28 to reject claims that he had died, despite the fact that he was in a critical state at the time.
His death was announced by his family on Saturday, April 30, in a statement which reads, “In infinite sorrow, we share the passing of the most caring and amazing football agent that ever was.
“Mino fought until 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.”
Some notable clubs have paid tribute to the football agent.
Paris Saint-Germain said, “Mino Raiola, charismatic sports agent, passed away today following an illness.
“The club, through its president, sends its condolences to his family and loved ones.”
AC Milan said, “Our deepest condolences to the Raiola family and all the friends of Mino for their tragic loss.”
Raiola was born in Italy but went to the Netherlands as a child, where he played football before going into sports administration and eventually becoming an agent.
In 1996, he signed Pavel Nedved from Sparta Prague to Lazio, which was his first huge transaction.
Pogba’s return to Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 for €105 million (£87.4 million) was his most lucrative deal to date, with the Italian reportedly pocketing $25 million.
