Barca said in a statement: "The club expresses their deepest
condolences over the passing of Tito Vilanova, who died today in
Barcelona at the age of 45."
Vilanova, a former midfielder who spent his playing career largely in
the Spanish second division, was diagnosed with cancer of the salivary
gland more than two years ago and was forced to step down as Barca boss
last July.
He was Pep Guardiola's assistant during a glorious four-year spell
for Barcelona between 2008 and 2012 during which the club won 14
trophies.
Vilanova took over from Guardiola at the start of the 2012/13 season,
but he had to take four months off between December 2012 and April 2013
for treatment in the United States after a recurrence of the throat
cancer which had been first diagnosed in November 2011.
Barca went on to win the Spanish La Liga title, equalling the record
points tally of 100, in his only season in
charge before he finally
resigned because of ill health.
Vilanova, who was admitted to a hospital in Barcelona last week, is
survived by his wife, Montse Chaure, and two children. His son Adrian is
currently in Barcelona's youth academy.
Barca sent their "deepest condolences" to Vilanova's family and said
they would be opening a space in the main grandstand at the Nou Camp for
people to express their condolences.
The club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu said on Twitter: "Tito
Vilanova was a wonderful person, and will never be forgotten at FC
Barcelona. Thank you for everything you taught us. Rest in peace."
Barca star Lionel Messi and midfielder Cesc Fabregas both paid emotional tributes on their Facebook pages.
Messi wrote: "A person difficult to forget. I will always remember you. All my love to the family of Tito."
Fabregas wrote: "Tito, thank you for all you have given to football and Barca.
"Personally, I met you 14 years ago and I can say that there are very
few people like you. Thank you for always trusting me to help me
improve and overcome personal and professional obstacles.
"We will always keep a place for you in our hearts. Rest in peace Tito."
Florentino Perez, the president of Barca's great rivals Real Madrid, also paid tribute to Vilanova on behalf of his club.
"I want to express my deep sorrow at the death of Tito Vilanova and
transmit, on behalf of Real Madrid, our condolences, love and support to
his family, to FC Barcelona and most especially his wife and children,"
he said in a statement.
"Today is a day of great sadness for all football fans and recognition of his personal and professional career. "
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho had several run-ins with Vilanova during
his time in charge of Madrid, infamously poking him in the eye in one
clash.
Mourinho said on Chelsea's Twitter account: "Tito Vilanova's passing
is a sad day for football, for Barcelona and most importantly for his
family and friends.
"On behalf of everybody at Chelsea Football Club I send my deepest condolences at this most difficult time."
Madrid defender Sergio Ramos added on Twitter: "Lots of support to
all of Tito's family and friends. An example of fighting and strength
for all of us. RIP."
Madrid's former player Michel Salgado played alongside Vilanova for
Celta Vigo, where Vilanova spent three seasons from 1992 to 1995.
"Destroyed over Tito Vilanova's death, my condolences to family and
friends and such a big honour having played with him in Celta," he said.
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