Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova -- who stepped away from the Spanish club in 2013 -- has lost his battle with throat cancer at the age of 45. The Spain native took over for current Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola ahead of the 2012-2013 season after spending time as an assistant at Camp Nou but due to complications from his illness, the former Barcelona midfielder was forced to move out of his post as coach in order to focus on recovering from his illness.
Joining Barca in 2008 as an assistant coach, Vilanova -- who appeared with 8 clubs throughout his senior career including Barcelona’s B squad, Celta, Mallorca and Elche -- was part of a tremendous run in Spain while working alongside Guardiola. Claiming UEFA Champions League titles in 2009 and 2011 along with three La Liga championships, Vilanova helped spark one of the most successful stretches in the long and storied history of Barcelona football. Despite his success as an assistant and head coach with the Catalan club, Vilanova was unable to continue his career as his throat cancer worsened.
Diagnosed with cancer for the second time in 2012, Vilanova’s coaching duties were passed to assistant Jordi Roura while the full-time coach received proper treatment for the disease that ultimately claimed his life. Full of emotion upon hearing the news that his former leader passed Friday, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu expressed love and thanks for a coach that will surely be remembered for his leadership qualities and overall good nature during his time with one of the most recognizable franchises in all of sports.
“Tito Vilanova was a wonderful person, and will never be forgotten at FC Barcelona,” Bartomeu wrote on his Twitter page. “That you for everything you taught us. Rest in peace.”
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