BARCELONA PRESIDENT EXPLAINS 'SUDDEN' DEATH OF CLUB DOCTOR AS PLAYERS PAY EMOTIONAL TRIBUTES

Barcelona’s match on Saturday was postponed after the tragedy (Picture: Getty)

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken out on the ‘sudden’ death of the club’s first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia.

Garcia tragically passed away on Saturday just hours before Barcelona’s match against Osasuna with the La Liga match postponed as a result.

Fans had already gathered inside the Camp Nou with Barcelona making a stadium announcement 20 minutes before kick-off and releasing a statement on social media.

The match was called off at Barcelona’s request following consultation with La Liga officials and Osasuna.

Speaking later on Saturday evening, Barcelona president Laporta confirmed Garcia died earlier on Saturday afternoon ‘at the team’s training camp’.

‘A man very much loved by everyone passed away this afternoon during the team’s gathering at the hotel,’ Laporta told Barcelona’s official website.

‘As you can imagine, the players, the coaching staff, the coach, everyone was very sad.

There was an overwhelming sense of sadness because he was a very beloved person. We all loved him.

‘He was a man who travelled to every match to take care of all the players, the coaching staff, anyone. He never said no to anyone. A great professional, a great doctor. It is very sad what happened.

‘This is very painful new. It has left us devastated, in a state of shock, because it was so sudden.

‘We got in touch with his mother and his wife to offer our condolences and support in these painful moments.

‘We wanted them to know immediately. Carles leaves behind two children Gerard and Ana. His wife, as you can imagine, was also deeply affected. we want to be there for all of them.’

Garcia (left) was a ‘beloved’ member of the Barca team (Picture: Diego Souto/Getty Images)

Devastated Barcelona players have paid tribute to Garcia with midfielder Pedri among the first to share his condolences.

‘I still can’t believe it,’ the Spain international wrote on Instagram. ‘A big hug to Carles’ family and friends.’

- Tony Mogan