Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has died atthe age of 45

The ex-Barcelona coach was hospitalised following
a drastic downturn in his health which required
emergency surgery, but was unable to survive his
battle with cancer
Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has died at
the age of 45 after losing his battle with cancer,
the club have confirmed.
The ex-central midfielder was admitted to hospital
on Thursday following a downturn in his health
which required an operation on his stomach, with
club president Josep Maria Bartomeu confirming
the trainer was "fighting" for his life.
However, Vilanova, whose post-playing career was
plagued by cancer, passed away on Friday
afternoon.

Vilanova's public health problems began during
his final season as Pep Guardiola's assistant when
he was diagnosed with cancer of the parotid gland.
He took over from his long-time friend for the
2012-13 season but suffered a relapse just six
months into his tenure as head coach.
He underwent surgery in December 2012, with
Jordi Roura taking his place on the bench while he
recovered in New York, before returning in March
2013 to see out the rest of the reason and guide
Barca to La Liga glory.
However, his continued health problems saw him
step down as coach of the Catalans last summer,
with Gerardo Martino taking the reins in his place.
Vilanova has largely - and understandably - been
out of the spotlight since he left his position at
Camp Nou but rumours of his ill health have sadly
been revealed to be true. He is survived by a wife
and two children.
Following confirmation of his death, Barcelona
president Bartomeu said in a statement: "Tito will
be a reference as a man and in terms of football
for Barcelona forever. We thank him for everything
he taught us. Rest in peace."
The Catalan club, for whom he worked for several
years before being promoted to head coach in
2012, also sent their condolences to the family of
Vilanova.
"The club wishes to express its most heartfelt
sympathy to his family, who are being joined in
these moments of mourning by Barcelona
members and fans all around the world, as well as
the rest of the footballing and sporting world.
"The Vilanova family has asked for respect for their
desire for the strictest intimacy in the moments
after his death."
Barcelona have announced that the funeral will take
place on Monday at 20:00CET, while Camp Nou
will be open to those who wish to pay their
respects over the weekend.