TEMPO.CO, Barcelona - The football world is mourning for the death of Barcelona's former manager, Tito Vilanova, who passed away on Friday after long-time struggle against recurring saliva gland cancer he had suffered since November 2011.
Players, coaches, and football clubs have expressed their condolences upon hearing the shocking news. Barcelona paid homage to Vilanova at the Camp Nou, where club members and fans could bid farewell by writing in a book of condolences, as reported by Sportsmole.
"A person difficult to forget. I will always remember you. All my love to the family of Tito," The Guardian quoted Lionel Messi saying on his Facebook account.
Jose Mourinho the Chelsea's manager said on his club'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."
Vilanova, 45, was an assistant to Pep Guardiola when Guardiola propel Barcelona into their most successful period and transform a team led by Messi into one of the world's best ever. In 2012 Vilanova was appointed first-team manager, winning the La Liga title in his first season. He stepped down in July 2013 due to illness issue.
SPORTS MOLE | MARCA | ANTONIUS WISHNU