“FC Barcelona is in immense mourning. Tito Vilanova has died at the age of 45. May he rest in peace.”
Tito VilanovaThat was how Spanish football giants, Barcelona, announced the death of its former coach, Tito Vilanova, who died after a long battle with cancer.
Vilanova had a tumour removed from his throat in November 2011 before suffering a relapse in December 2012.
He stepped down as Barca boss last July to continue his treatment, with Gerardo Martino taking charge.
“With the treatments I must follow from now on, I cannot devote 100% to the tasks of head coach,” he said after leaving his post as Barcelona head coach.
“It is not easy to leave this very special group of players, fellow staff and friends with whom I shared many memorable experiences,” he had said.
The ex-Barca youth team player was Pep Guardiola’s assistant before stepping up to replace the now-Bayern Munich boss when he decided to take a sabbatical from football in June 2012.
Vilanova had surgery in December 2012 and spent 10 weeks in New York having chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but he returned in March 2013 to see his side take the Spanish title in his sole season in charge.
Chelsea manager, José Mourinho, who had several run-ins with Vilanova during his time in charge of Real Madrid, infamously poking him in the eye in one clash, said on the club’s Twitter account: “Tito Vilanova’s passing is a sad day for football, for Barcelona and most importantly for his family and friends. On behalf of everybody at Chelsea Football Club I send my deepest condolences at this most difficult time.”