The Oviedo reported this Saturday the death of Francesc Arnau (Las Plaas, Girona), current sports director of the Asturian club and former guard of the Barcelona and from Málaga. The news has taken everyone by surprise and the Oviedo He has mourned on his profiles on social networks for the death of his manager since 2019.
Arnau was 46 years old and before taking up his position as sports director at Oviedo, he did the same at Málaga. As a goalkeeper, he was a product of the Barça quarry and became part of the first team between 1998 and 20021. Then he signed for Málaga, a club where he stayed for ten seasons. In addition, it was international with the Selection sub21 with which he won the European in 1998, being the best player of the tournament.
“Our sports director, Francesc Arnau Grabalosa, has passed away. We deeply regret his loss and we accompany his family in these difficult moments. Rest in peace,” lamented Oviedo in a statement. According to reports The Voice of Asturias, Arnau passed away suddenly during the early hours of Saturday.
Our sports director, Francesc Arnau Grabalosa, has passed away. We deeply regret her loss and accompany her family through these difficult times.
Rest in peace. #RealOviedo pic.twitter.com/oiuOOaRraw
– Real Oviedo (@RealOviedo) May 22, 2021
Barça also had words to say goodbye to their former youth squad, who for three seasons defended the goal of the first team and lifted La Liga in 1999:
We deeply regret the death of Francesc Arnau (1975), formed in the grassroots football of FC Barcelona and goalkeeper of the first team between 1998 and 2001. Currently, he was the sports director of Real Oviedo. Rest in peace pic.twitter.com/UeElbQ9nLB
– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) May 22, 2021
The messages of condolences were happening during the morning of this Saturday due to the sad loss of the goalkeeper raised in La Masía and current sports director of the Second Division club.
Our sincere condolences to his family and friends. We send you all our love and strength, Oviedo family. D.E.P.
– RC Celta (@RCCelta) May 22, 2021
Our condolences and all #anosaforza for his family, friends and everyone who is part of the #RealOviedo. DEP
– RC Deportivo (@RCDeportivo) May 22, 2021
From Deportivo Alavés we send all our strength and a big hug to the entire Oviedo family.
Rest in peace
– Deportivo Alavés (@Alaves) May 22, 2021
Also the Spanish soccer and sports institutions joined in condolences for Oviedo, family and friends of Francesc Arnau.
️ The Royal Spanish Football Federation wishes to express its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Francesc Arnau, former footballer and sports director of the @RealOviedo, for his death.
We share your pain in these difficult times.
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/dVgDQcN04w
— RFEF (@rfef) May 22, 2021
It is a very sad day for the great family of # AFEFútbol after learning of the death of our colleague Francesc Arnau. Leave a great legacy to the world of football. Our condolences to family and friends. D.E.P. pic.twitter.com/bvB8QROxU7
– AFE (@afefutbol) May 22, 2021
#LaLiga regrets the death of Francesc Arnau Grabalosa and sends its support to the family and friends of the historic goalkeeper and sports director. Rest in peace. https://t.co/jzlaTMWTPw
— LaLiga (@LaLiga) May 22, 2021
From the COE we want to send our deepest condolences to his family and friends, and to all oviedismo. Rest in peace.
– Spanish Olympic Committee (@COE_es) May 22, 2021
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