Football agent to Paul Pogba, Erling Haaland and Zlatan Ibrahimovic passes away aged 54

Mino Raiola has died aged 54 after a battle with illness, his family have announced.

The Italian was one of football’s most influential agents, representing Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland and AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

He was admitted to hospital in January and underwent surgery, but the nature of his illness was not disclosed.

A statement from his family read: “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 agent emerged from a humble background to become one of the game’s leading negotiators and brokered a number of high-profile deals in recent years.

He had been working on the futures of Pogba and Haaland, who are both set to move on from their respective clubs this summer.

Raiola counted a long list of star names across world football among his clients.

He managed Ibrahimovic throughout his career, with the Swede still starring now at Milan aged 40.

Pogba was also one of his star names, along with arguably the hottest talent in the game – Dortmund ace Haaland, who has been tipped to join Manchester City at the end of the season.

He also represents Mario Balotelli, Marco Verratti, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
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