Football pays its respects to Roque
Some of the biggest names in world football have paid tribute to Miki Roque after the former Liverpool defender tragically lost his battle with cancer on Sunday.
Writing on his official Facebook page, Pepe Reina said: "A big hug for family and friends of Miki Roque. I was with him in Liverpool FC. Rest in peace."
Meanwhile, using their official Twitter pages, the likes of Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas, Juan Mata and Victor Valdes wrote messages in Spanish to join the many thousands of others using the social networking site to pay their respects.
Iniesta Tweeted: "I wish to send a big hug and encouragement to the family of Miki Roque. You will be missed."
Pique added: "A big hug to the family of Miki Roque. I knew him from when he played at Liverpool and I at United. Rest in peace, my friend."
A whole host of Roque's former Anfield colleagues, including Rafael Benitez, Luis Garcia and Javier Mascherano, also logged onto Twitter to offer their messages of condolence.
Here are just a few...
I LOST ALL WORDS COS I CANT BELIEVE THIS.. MAY U REST IN PEACE BRO. I GONNA MISS U N U WILL ALL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART. RIP MY BRO MIKI ROQUE
— Godwin Antwi (@Antwi_4) June 24, 2012
RIP Miki Roque had the pleasure to play with this guy, what a top guy, so young thought with his family
— Lee Peltier (@Pelts_86) June 24, 2012
R.I.P Miki Roque . A wonderful man and footballer has left us. But only With beautiful memories of him. God only takes good people .
— Astrit Ajdarevic (@AstritAjdarevic) June 24, 2012
A game of football and that all it is when a loss of a life for a 23 year old lad looses his life ! #muchmoretolife # RIPmikiroque
— Ben Parsonage (@BenParsonage1) June 24, 2012
I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family of my former player Miki Roque, it is a tragedy to lose such a good boy so young.
— Rafa Benitez Web (@rafabenitezweb) June 24, 2012
My most heartfelt condolences to the family of Miki Roque. I had the chance to spend time with him in Liverpool. Rest in peace Miki.
— Javier Mascherano (@Mascherano) June 24, 2012
The news about poor Miki Roque has brought everything in to perspective tonight. Awful news .RIPMiki
— George Sephton (@VoiceOfAnfield) June 24, 2012
So sorry to hear about the death of Miki Roque..one of the 1st players I treated as reserve team Physio at Liverpool in 2006..so sad..#RIP
— Chris Morgan (@ChrisMorgan10) June 24, 2012
@LuchoGarcia14: Cant believe about Miki Roque, teammate at Melwood. Great player, awesome kid, my condolence to the family and friends. RIP
— Luis Garcia (@LuchoGarcia14) June 24, 2012
Horrible news. R.I.P to my friend Miki Roque. I can't believe it. #RIPMikiRoque
— Nikola Sarić (@NSaric91) June 24, 2012
... R.i.p Miki Roque ... #devastatingnews
— Deale Chamberlain (@DChamberlaiin) June 24, 2012
So sad new to hear about miki. Teammate at LFC for few months. Thoughts and prays for his family. YNWA. What a great boy. RIP.
— Daniel Pacheco(@dani37pacheco) June 24, 2012
Very sad to see Miki Roque has passed away at only 23. Trained and played with him when he first arrived to LFC. #YNWA
— Neil Mellor (@NeilMellor33) June 25, 2012
Just heard the terrible news regarding former Liverpool team mate, Miki Roque...... Rest in peace pal
— robbie fowler (@Robbie9Fowler) June 25, 2012