Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova,
who has been battling cancer, has died at the age
of 45.
“FC Barcelona is in immense mourning,” the
Spanish club said in a statement. “Tito Vilanova
has died at the age of 45. May he rest in peace.”
Vilanova, who had first been diagnosed with a
cancerous tumor of the throat in November 2011,
stepped down as Barcelona coach in July 2013.
He succeeded Pep Guardiola, who is now Bayern
Munich coach, in June 2012 and led the Catalan
giants to the Spanish La Liga title during his time
in charge of the team.
Following the announcement of Vilanova’s death,
Barcelona said it would open an area of
condolence in the main grandstand at its Nou
Camp stadium.
“It will be open to anyone who wishes to express
their sympathy and love for the late Tito
Vilanova,” the club added.
“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.”
Barcelona also revealed plans for a religious
memorial ceremony in the coming days.
The club’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu said on
this Twitter page: “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 player Cesc Fabregas paid tribute on
his Facebook page saying he met Vilanova 14
years ago, adding: “Thank you for always trusting
me, to help me improve and overcome personal
and professional obstacles.”
There have been also tributes from the global
football community. Real Madrid defender Sergio
Ramos commented on Twitter that Vilanova was,
“An example of fighting and strength for all of us.
RIP”
Vilanova’s appointment after Guardiola’s
resignation came as something of a surprise to
football experts. He was not well known outside
Spain but was already a close member of the
Barcelona family.
He began his footballing career at the Catalan
club, signing to the team’s junior ranks as a 15-
year-old.
Unable to break into the Barcelona first team, he
left to pursue a career as a midfielder with seven
clubs in his native Spain before ending his playing
days with Gramenet in 2001.
A switch to management followed and Vilanova
soon returned to the Nou Camp, eventually
becoming Guardiola’s assistant coach in 2008
before being named as his successor.
In tandem, the pair won three La Liga titles and
two European Champions League crowns.
FC Barcelona
@FCBarceIonaCAT
Messi: “I will never forget Tito. Forever with you.
All my love to his family.”
6:42 PM – 25 Apr 2014
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Vilanova’s Barcelona team, which included star
players such as Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta,
started the 2012/2013 campaign brilliantly.
But just months into his reign, Vilanova took a
temporary absence to undergo surgery followed
by a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in
New York.
He returned in March 2013 to lead Barcelona to
the league title which they won 15 points ahead of
rivals Real Madrid.
Club captain Carles Puyol stepped aside to allow
Vilanova and former Barca defender Eric Abidal,
who had been diagnosed with a liver tumor, to lift
the trophy.
A relapse of his condition in July last year saw
Vilanova resign as Barcelona coach. He was
replaced by Gerardo Martino.
The true potential of Vilanova’s tenure at
Barcelona will now remain unknown.
Source : CNN
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