Following the sad news of Tito Vilanova’s death on Friday, the soccer community around the globe has paid tribute to the former FC Barcelona head coach.
Messages from former players he coached at Barca, rival clubs and a whole host of others flooded as the sad news reverberated across the world.
(MORE: Former FC Barcelona head coach Tito Vilanova dies, aged just 45)
Vilanova, who was just 45, has given the world so much through his soccer expertise and he will be sorely missed by everyone. The man who was an integral part of building one of the greatest ever teams Barcelona, and the world, has ever seen will be rightly remembered as a tactical genius in the game.
Here are just some of the moving message from all over the world, as soccer mourns the loss of one of the great coaches who left us far too early.
Three of Vilanova’s former players at Barcelona have taken to Twitter to show their love for Vilanova.
Descansa en pau Tito Vilanova! Molts ánims a la familia. Per sempre.
— Gerard Deulofeu (@gerardeulofeu) April 25, 2014
Gràcies Tito...https://t.co/kci7Zkbcqp
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) April 25, 2014
Mi más sentido pésame a los familiares y amigos de Tito Vilanova. Ha sido siempre un ejemplo con su lucha. Nunca te olvidaremos. DEP
— David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) April 25, 2014
(My most heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Tito Vilanova. Has always been an example with their struggle. You will never be forgotten. DEP)
Chelsea boss and former FC Barcelona translator and assistant coach Jose Mourinho.
Jose Mourinho: 'Tito Vilanova’s passing is a sad day for football, for Barcelona and most importantly for his family and friends...' #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 25, 2014
Spanish international and Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea sent his respects to Vilanova.
A very sad day, Tito Vilanova has left us but his fighting remains as an example. RIP great hug to all his family
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) April 25, 2014
England national team manager Roy Hodgson and the English FA sent their condolences, as well as England international Jack Wilshere.
Following news of the death of former @FCBarcelona coach Tito Vilanova, The FA and @england manager Roy Hodgson send their condolences.
— England Football (@EnglandFootball) April 25, 2014
R.I.P Tito Vilanova......Sad day for football! Thoughts with his family!
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) April 25, 2014
Manchester City and Argentine international striker Sergio Aguero.
My heart is heavy after learning of the passing of Tito Vilanova. My thoughts go to his family RIP
— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) April 25, 2014
Italian champions Juventus and their manager Antonio Conte also lauded Vilanova’s impact.
Antonio Conte: I’m saddened by the death of Tito Vilanova, a great example of a fighter both in life and on the pitch. We will miss him.
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) April 25, 2014
Other clubs to pay their respects to Vilanova were Barcelona’s crosstown rivals Espanyol and European foes, Manchester United.
El @RCDEspanyol lamenta la mort de Tito Vilanova i mostra tot el seu suport a la seva família i amics.
— RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (@RCDEspanyol) April 25, 2014
#mufc is saddened to hear that Tito Vilanova has passed away. We extend sincere condolences to his family and our friends at @FCBarcelona.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 25, 2014