Former Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova recently succumbed to cancer after several years of battle with the disease. His death comes within one year of him stepping down from the post as the Barcelona manager. Tito Vilanova guided the club to league success last season. However, he revealed that he would no longer be continuing as the manager after just 12 months in order to fight against cancer. He was suffering from throat cancer for several years. The death of Vilanova comes as a major shock to Barcelona fans around the world and also to the football fraternity.
Cesc Fabregas, who was bought back to Barcelona by Vilanova, paid tribute to the former manager on his Facebook account. He stated that the memories of Vilanova will forever remain with him. He has also thanked him for the trust he showed in him. Fabregas was brought back to the club for around £ 35 million from Arsenal. The club announced after the statement from Fabregas that they will be holding the funeral at 7 PM later that day. Barcelona are expected to hold a minutes silence before the next league match against Villarreal, while all the players will also be wearing a black band as a tribute for Vilanova.
“Personally, I met you 14 years ago and I can say that people like you there are very few. Thank you for always trusting me to help me improve and overcome personal and professional obstacles. All my condolences to Montse, Kelly and Adrian, and the rest of his family and friends. Always keep a place for you in our hearts. Rest in peace Tito,” said Fabregas on his Twitter account. The move back to Barcelona has not been always rosy for the Spaniard and he has been linked with a return to the Premier league.