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Tito Vilanova has died at age 45

Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has died at the age of 45 after

losing his battle with cancer, the club have confirmed.

The ex-central midfielder was admitted to

hospital on Thursday following a downturn in his

health which required an operation on his

stomach on Thursday, with club president Josep

Maria Bartomeu confirming the trainer was

"fighting" for his life.

However, Vilanova, whose post-playing career

has been tragically plagued by cancer, was

unable to battle any longer and passed away on

Friday afternoon.

Vilanova's public health problems began during

his final season as Pep Guardiola's assistant

when he was diagnosed with cancer of the

parotid gland.

He took over from his long-time friend for the

2012-13 season but suffered a relapse just six

months into his tenure as head coach.

He underwent surgery in December 2012, with

Jordi Roura taking his place on the bench while

he recovered in New York, before returning in

March 2013 to see out the rest of the reason

and guide Barca to La Liga victory.

However, his continued health problems saw his

step down as coach of the Catalans last summer,

with Gerardo Martino taking the reins in his

place.

Vilanova has largely – and understandably – been

out of the spotlight since he left his position at

Camp Nou but rumours of his ill health have

sadly been revealed to be true. He is survived by

a wife and two children.

Following confirmation of his death, Barcelona

president Bartomeu said in a statement: "Tito

will be reference as a man and in terms of

football for Barcelona forever. We thank him for

everything he taught us. Rest in peace."

The Catalans, whom he worked under for years

before being promoted from within to head

coach in 2012, also sent their condolences to

the family of Vilanova.

"The club wishes to express its most heartfelt

sympathy to his family, who are being joined in

these moments of mourning by 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."

[GOAL .COM]

Kofi Oppong Kyekyeku

I am a Ghanaian Broadcast Journalist/Writer who has an interest in General News, Sports, Entertainment, Health, Lifestyle and many more.

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