Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has passed away at the age of 45 after a long battle with Cancer.
Vilanova, who managed Barcelona throughout the 2012-2013 season winning the La Liga title and guiding the Catalan club to a Champions League semi-final, had a lump removed from his throat in November 2012 only to relapse in 2013, which lead to him stepping down from his position as he felt he could no longer give 100% to the club. He was replaced by now in charge boss Gerardo Martino in July 2013.
The Club has since paid tribute to the former boss on Twitter.
They also went on to say in an official statement, “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.”
They went on to add that a “space for condolence” would be opened in the main stand at the Nou Camp for those who would wish to pay their respects.
Vilanova started off his Barcelona Career as Pep Guardiola’s assistant before becoming the full time manager, replacing the now-Bayern Munich boss when he decided to take a break from football in June 2012. After the surgery on a lump in his throat in late 2012, he underwent six weeks of Chemotherapy. During that time assistant Jordi Roua took over as head coach. Tito returned to resume his position in March 2013 before stepping down at the end of the season.
Tributes have been flooding in from all over the world, including Real Madrid Captain Sergio Ramos.
