Tito Vilanova dies of cancer

Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova died on Friday at the age of 45 after a long fight with cancer, the club announced, plunging the sporting world into mourning. 

Vilanova lost his battle with a cancer of the salivary gland that was diagnosed more than two years ago, forcing him to step down as Barcelona boss last July. 

‘FC Barcelona is sad to inform Francesc ‘Tito’ Vilanova Bayo has passed away today at the age of 45. The death of our former coach came about this afternoon after he could not overcome the illness he had been fighting since 2011. The club wishes to express its deep condolences to his family, with whom we share this painful moment along with the club members, fans and the whole world of football and sport,’ Barcelona said in a statement. 

Vilanova leaves behind wife Montse Chaure-Vilanova and two children.

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