Albion have sent a heartfelt tribute to former manager Oscar Garcia after the death of his daughter.

The former Barcelona midfielder, who managed Brighton for a season in 2013/14, made the announcement through his Instagram on Thursday.

He posted a picture of his daughter Mariona, 21, with the caption “fly high, my love”.

Mariona was reported to have been fighting a long battle with cancer.

The Argus: Garcia managed Albion in 2013/14Garcia managed Albion in 2013/14

Brighton and Hove Albion tweeted the message of support this morning.

They said: “So sorry for your loss, Oscar. The thoughts of everyone at Albion are with you and your family at this difficult time.”

Her younger sister, Jana, also took to Instagram to pay tribute.

She described her sister as “the best role model I could have”.

In her post, she said: “You can't imagine how proud I am of you, always drawing strength from where there was no more and fighting day after day until the last.

“I always knew you were too good for this bad and unfair world, and that's why you had to leave.

“From now on we will remember you with a big smile on your face and I promise I will enjoy the good things of life as you taught me, for you.”

Tributes have poured in from several football clubs and former teammates.

FC Barcelona, where Garcia started his senior career, tweeted: "FC Barcelona expresses its condolences to the former player and former coach of the club Òscar Garcia i Junyent, and to his family, for the loss of his daughter. Rest in peace”.

Espanyol, another former club of the 49-year-old, tweeted: "The daughter of our former player Óscar Garcia Junyent has left us.

“From RCD Espanyol we want to convey our deepest condolences to family and friends. Rest in peace."

The Argus: Garcia helped guide Albion into the play-offs in his one season in chargeGarcia helped guide Albion into the play-offs in his one season in charge

Valencia CF sent their “deepest condolences”, as well as Celta Vigo.

Former basketballer Pau Gasol said “strength to you and your family at this time Oscar”.

Jordi Cruyff, a team mate of Oscar at Barcelona in the 90s, also sent a message of support.

Current footballer Pedro Chirivella sent his condolences to Oscar and his family.

Oscar Garcia helped guide Albion into the play-offs in his one season at the club.