Updated 18.00
FORMER BARCELONA MANAGER Tito Vilanova has died aged 45 following a fight against cancer.
Vilanova was diagnosed with cancer of the salivary gland more than two years ago and was forced to step down as Barcelona boss last July due to ongoing health problems.
“FC Barcelona is sad to inform that Francesc ‘Tito’ Vilanova Bayo has passed away today at the age of 45,” the club said in a statement on Friday.
“The death of our former coach came about this afternoon after he could not overcome the illness he had been fighting since 2011.
“The club wishes to express its deep condolences to his family, with whom we share this painful moment along with the club members, fans and the whole world of football and sport.”
Barcelona also announced that a space will be opened at their Camp Nou stadium for those willing to pay their respects over the next few days.
Vilanova, who started his playing career in Barcelona’s youth system, was the assistant manager to Pep Guardiola at Barcelona B and then with the first team during a period of extraordinary success between 2008 and 2012.
Not long after he succeeded Guardiola in the summer of 2012, Vilanova suffered a recurrence of his cancer and underwent surgery and further treatment in December.
He returned to the bench in March 2013 and led Barca to the La Liga title but resigned in July to focus on his treatment.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who came up against Vilanova while he was manager at Real Madrid, was among the first to pay tribute.
“Tito Vilanova’s passing is a sad day for football, for Barcelona and most importantly for his family and friends,” Mourinho said.
“On behalf of everybody at Chelsea Football Club I send my deepest condolences at this most difficult time.”
– Additional reporting © AFP, 2014
