RIP Tito. Ex-Barcelona Coach Dies Of Cancer At Age 45
Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has died at age 45 after a long battle with cancer.
By Sadho Ram — 26 Apr 2014, 01:03 AM — Updated over 10 years ago
Former Barcelona Coach Tito Vilanova Has Died At The Age Of 45. He Was Battling Cancer.
The ex-central midfielder was admitted to hospital following a downturn in his health which required an operation on his stomach on Thursday, with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu confirming the trainer was "fighting" for his life. However, Vilanova, whose post-playing career has been tragically plagued by cancer, was unable to battle any longer and passed away on Friday afternoon.
Tito Stepped Down As Barcelona Coach In July 2013. He Had First Been Diagnosed With A Cancerous Tumour Of The Throat In November 2011.
He Succeeded Pep Guardiola In June 2012 And Led The Catalan Giants To The La Liga Title During His Time In Charge Of The Team
Vilanova took over at the Camp Nou ahead of the 2012-13 season having been Pep Guardiola's assistant during the most successful period in the club's history during which they won three out of four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues in 2009 and 2011.
theguardian.com
At the end of the season Vilanova announced he was resigning to concentrate on his recovery from the illness.
cnn.comBarça went on to make the best-ever start to a La Liga season with 18 wins from 19 games but in December 2012 Vilanova was diagnosed with cancer for the second time. It meant that his assistant Jordi Roura was forced to take charge of the team on occasions when he was undergoing treatment.
Josep Maria Bartomeu, The President Of Barcelona, Expressed His Condolences 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."
theguardian.com
Tito Left Behind A Wife And Two Children. Our Condolences To His Family And Friends.
