Mino Raiola’s family confirms his death

The family of Mino Raiola has confirmed that the Italian super-agent has died at 54.

News had spread on Thursday that the agent had lost a battle against lung disease. However, the news was debunked in a tweet via his official Twitter account.

“Current health status for the ones wondering: pissed off second time in 4 months they kill me. Seem also able to resuscitate,” the tweet read.

However, on Saturday his family confirmed his death.

“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,” the statement read.

Back in January, Raiola underwent checks in Italy after reports said he was rushed to hospital for surgery. However, his spokesman, debunked the claim, saying his principal was on a routine medical examination which required anaesthesia.

Raiola was born in Nocera Inferiore, Italy in 1967 and emigrated with his family to Haarlem in the Netherlands the following year.

A promising footballer growing up, Raiola took over the reins as the head of HFC Haarlem’s youth team aged just 20 in 1987 before beginning his career as a football agent.

He initially worked for Sports Promotions, a sports agent company, and helped broker a number of high-profile transfers involving players switching Dutch for Italian clubs, including the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Michel Kreek and Bryan Roy.

He then represented more than 20 top stars in the sport across Europe. He reportedly took home £41 million from Paul Pogba’s move to Manchester United in 2016.

Haaland, Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marco Verratti, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Matthijs de Ligt and Mario Balotelli were other clients of Raiola.