Former Espanyol striker Michel Pineda dies aged 62 after years living in Andorra

Michel Pineda Ozaeta, a former Espanyol striker who spent part of his life in Andorra and raised two daughters in the Principality, died on Thursday at the age of 62.

Pineda, who held French and Spanish nationality, joined Espanyol from Auxerre in France and spent six seasons in the blue-and-white shirt, establishing himself as one of the Catalan club's main attacking references. He was part of the side that reached the 1988 UEFA Cup final, one of the most emblematic generations in the club's history. Across his time at Espanyol he played 191 league matches between the First and Second Divisions, scoring 51 goals.

He later played for Toulon in his native France before returning to Spain to represent Racing de Santander, UE Lleida and Alabès. His career is also tied to one of the most painful episodes in Espanyol's history: in 1993, wearing the Racing shirt, he scored the goal that contributed to Espanyol's relegation—a moment that has stayed with the club's supporters. Despite that chapter, he retained a prominent place in the club's history and in the memory of fans.

In Andorra, Pineda formed a family and had two daughters. Although he later stopped living in the Principality, he kept close personal ties and returned frequently. His presence was still remembered by many football fans, especially the 'pericos'—Espanyol supporters—residing in Andorra, who recognised him during his visits.

His connection to Espanyol extended well beyond his time on the field, and his spell at Sarrià remains part of the team's history. Tributes from supporters have remembered him as one of the club's great legends and a reference point for the side in the second half of the 1980s.