The footballing world has been paying tribute to Michael Robinson, the former Preston North End, Manchester City, Brighton, Liverpool, QPR and Osasuna striker who also won 24 international caps for the Republic of Ireland.
Aged 61, Michael had been suffering from terminal cancer for the past two years, but was still to be seen on Spanish television until fairly recently. In another career twist, he voiced the ugly sister in the dubbed Spanish versions of Shrek.
"Gutted to hear of the passing of Michael Robinson, AKA The Cat," mourns Mark Lawrenson. "We played cricket together in our teens. He followed me to Preston North End, then Brighton, the Republic of Ireland and finally Liverpool. He even bought my house off me in Hove. It's a sad day in sad times. RIP mate."
Adds Graeme Souness: "He was a big pal of mine. I've got so many fond memories of being in his company. If you were going out for the night Michael would be the first one you would invite. Charming man, bon viveur, told great stories. He was a very good footballer. He enjoyed a year at Liverpool; we had a glory year ('83/'84) and he was a big part of that. Then he took himself off to Spain, played at Osasuna and created a media life for himself out there."
As Graeme says, Michael became fluent in Spanish and, in addition to commentary work for Sky Sports, had his own award-winning football show on Spanish TV.

The FAI is saddened to learn of the death of former Ireland international Michael Robinson

Michael played 24 games at senior level, scoring four goals during the 1980s

May he rest in peace ☘️ pic.twitter.com/IL3fpOMC1j

— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) April 28, 2020

Graeme Souness pays tribute to friend and former team-mate Michael Robinson who has died aged 61

More: https://t.co/9IyNX2aIIK pic.twitter.com/h512UwrowC

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 28, 2020

R.I.P Michael Robinson. The Liverpool legend that got in all the Spanish homes with his fantastic commentaries every Weekend !! #YNWA pic.twitter.com/GihZPkUd80

— Luis Garcia (@luchogarcia14) April 28, 2020

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Robinson.

Everyone at Manchester City sends their love and thoughts to Michael's family and friends at this extremely difficult time. 💙 pic.twitter.com/juXEoTCQSM

— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 28, 2020

RIP Michael Robinson 💔 pic.twitter.com/NfO0bAzxZp

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) April 28, 2020

We at FC Barcelona wish to express our deepest condolences for the passing of Michael Robinson, a person who loved football and who knew how to explain it with knowledge and ingenuity. He was the winner of the 2018 Vázquez Montalbán International Journalism Award. Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/IsMAooaxmm

— FC Barcelona (from 🏠) (@FCBarcelona) April 28, 2020

💙 We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former striker Michael Robinson at the age of 61. Our thoughts are with all of his loved ones at this extremely difficult time.
#BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/shwOH3W4wS

— Brighton & Hove Albion (at 🏡) (@OfficialBHAFC) April 28, 2020

Very sorry to hear that Michael Robinson has passed away. Not only a fine footballer, but was also a great success post football in Spain, having his own television show there for many years...and that is quite an achievement. RIP Michael.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 28, 2020