FIFA President Gianni Infantino has written to the FAI to express his condolences upon the passing of former Republic of Ireland striker Michael Robinson.

Robinson died on Tuesday at the age of 61 after a long battle with skin cancer.

He played 24 times for the Republic of Ireland, scoring 4 goals between 1980 and 1986.

At club level, he won the European Cup, First Division and League Cup with Liverpool in 1984.

He also played for Preston, Manchester City, Brighton, QPR and Osasuna.

That move to Osasuna sparked a second career for Robinson in broadcasting, which proved tremendously successful, making him a household name in Spain.

In his letter to the FAI President Gerry McAnaney, Gianni Infantino wrote:

“I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of former international player, Michael Robinson. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss affecting Irish football.

“Whole-hearted player, well known and respected figure in the Spanish football media, a person who loved football and who knew how to explain it with knowledge and passion, his legacy and achievements, and in particular his friendly personality, his popularity, his charisma and his human qualities, will not be forgotten, and he will be truly missed. 

“On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to The Football Association of Ireland, and to Michael’s family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all of you. We hope that these memories and our words of support may help bring some peace and solace at this difficult time.”