Former FC Barcelona head coach Tito Vilanova dies

On Friday FC Barcelona revealed the sad and shocking news that former head coach Tito Vilanova has lost his long battle against cancer at the age of just 45.

Vilanova’s was first diagnosed with throat cancer back in 2011 and after having to give up the Barcelona job to battle bravely against the disease, the Spanish coach has passed away.

The talented coach helped Pep Guardiola construct one of the best sides the world has ever seen, as his death has shocked the global soccer community.

(MORE: Soccer reacts to sad news of Tito Vilanova’s death, as tributes pour in)

Vilanova helped bring through the likes of Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique and many others, as he worked as Guardiola’s assistant with the Barcelona B team from 2007-08. Then from 2008-12, he assisted Guardiola as the duo oversaw an incredible period of dominance in Spain and Europe as the Catalan club won 14 titles with Guardiola as the head coach and Vilanova by his side.

FC Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu released the following statement after the club confirmed the sad news.

“Tito Vilanova was a wonderful person and will never be forgotten at FC Barcelona. Thank you for everything you taught us, rest in peace.”

Barcelona also revealed details on how they will remember Vilanova at the Nou Camp stadium in the coming days and weeks.

The Club wishes to express its most heartfelt sympathy to his family, who are being joined in these moments of mourning by FC Barcelona members and fans all around the world, as well as the rest of the footballing and sporting world. The Vilanova family has asked for respect for their desire for the strictest intimacy in the moments after his death. Over the next few hours, FC Barcelona will be opening a space in the main grandstand at the Camp Nou for people to express their condolences, which will be open to anyone who wishes to express their sympathy and love for the late Tito Vilanova. The Club will shortly be announcing when this space is open, as well as details of the religious ceremony that will be held in the coming days.

The man adored by Barcelona’s players took over as head coach in 2012, as Guardiola stepped away from the game. In his first season Vilanova won the Spanish title, but his condition worsened after the club announced he was undergoing treatment for cancer in December 2012. Vilanova underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment for around six weeks to try and cure his cancer.

By March 2013 he was back on the bench, after his assistant Jordi Roura had taken charge in his absence, but Vilanova relapsed and had to step down from being Barcelona’s manager in July 2013. As recent as last week there were reports of Vilanova entering a hospice, as his condition deteriorated considerably.

The FC Barcelona is in immense mourning. Tito Vilanova has died at the age of 45. May he rest in peace

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 25, 2014

From everyone at ProSoccerTalk, rest in peace Tito.

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