Former Barcelona goalkeeper, Francesc Arnau is dead

Former Barcelona shot-stopper Francesc Arnau has died at the age of 46, AS, Barcelona.

The goalkeeper began his career in Barca’s youth academy and broke into the club’s first team between 1998 to 2001.

During his spell at the Camp Nou, the then young shot-stopper made fantastic saves both on the domestic and continental scenes.

Barcelona released a statement on Twitter:

“We deeply regret the death of Francesc Arnau (1975), who joined FC Barcelona at youth level and became a first-team goalkeeper between 1998 and 2001. He was most recently the sporting director at Real Oviedo. Rest in peace.”

Arnau made an emphatic debut under former coach Louis Van Gaal in 1996 during the 3-3 draw with Atletico Madrid while he was still Team B goalie.

The former Spain U21 international joined La Liga outfit Malaga in 2001 and spent 10 seasons where Arnau got relegated with the club and got promoted before retiring in 2011.

After making more than 131 appearances, he became sporting director at Malaga before taking up the same role at Real Oviedo since 2019, filling the vacancy left by Joaquín del Olmo and Michu.

The former La Bluagrana star was being considered for a technical secretary post by newly elected president Joan Laporta.