By Dorcas Francis Koji
Former Barcelona and Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman is mourning the death of his wife, Bartina Koeman, following the announcement of her passing on Wednesday.
Koeman shared the heartbreaking news in a tribute on Instagram, describing Bartina as his “beautiful wife” and the family’s “dearest mother and grandmother.”
“With intense sadness, but also with great pride and love, we say goodbye to my beautiful wife, our dearest mother and grandmother,” Koeman wrote.
Barcelona was among the first football institutions to offer condolences to the former coach, expressing its sympathy to Koeman and his family during the difficult period.
“FC Barcelona and its supporters send their deepest condolences and affection to Ronald Koeman and his family for the passing of his wife, Bartina Koeman. May she rest in peace,” the club said.
The Netherlands national team also paid tribute to Bartina and extended its support to Koeman, their children, grandchildren and other members of the family.
“We wish Ronald, their (grand)children, family, and other loved ones a great deal of strength and support in the face of this great loss,” the Dutch national team said.
Koeman, 63, is one of the most recognised figures in Dutch football, having enjoyed an illustrious playing career before moving into coaching.
He took charge of Barcelona between 2020 and 2021 and has also managed the Netherlands, Everton, Southampton, Ajax and several other clubs during his coaching career.
Koeman and Bartina had been married for decades and had three children together.
As the family mourns their loss, they have asked for privacy during this difficult period.
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