The former Barca boss has died aged 45.
Former Barcelona head coach Tito Vilanova has died aged 45-years-old after a long running battle with cancer.
The Spaniard was diagnosed with the disease in November 2011, but after being treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy was well enough to take over from Pep Guardiola for the 2012/13 campaign.
Vilanova had been the current Bayern Munich manager’s assistant at the Nou Camp since 2008, but went one better than his former boss in that season by winning La Liga with a record equaling 100 points.
The 45-year-old was forced to step down from the position in the summer of 2013 however – after having to be treated for two months in New York during the year – when his health worsened.
News on Thursday revealed that Vilanova had been rushed into hospital for emergency surgery and the coach died less than 24 hours later.
The death of the ex-Barca man has shocked the footballing world and stars from across the sport have paid tribute to him.
Jose Mourinho: ‘Tito Vilanova’s passing is a sad day for football, for Barcelona and most importantly for his family and friends…’ #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) April 25, 2014
Jose Mourinho: ‘….On behalf of everybody at Chelsea Football Club I send my deepest condolences at this most difficult time.’ #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) April 25, 2014
DEP Tito Vilanova.
— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) April 25, 2014
#mufc is saddened to hear that Tito Vilanova has passed away. We extend sincere condolences to his family and our friends at @FCBarcelona.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 25, 2014
My best wishes and strength to Tito Vilanova’s family, no one deserves it…
— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) April 25, 2014
Really sad news to hear the passing of former Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova, aged 45. #RIPTito
— Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) April 25, 2014
RIP Tito. No age at all that.
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 25, 2014