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."
