Tito Vilanova, Former FC Barcelona Coach, Dies at 45

Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has died of throat cancer, the club announcedFriday. He was 45.

“The FC Barcelona is in immense mourning,” the football club’s official accounttweeted. “Tito Vilanova has died at the age of 45. May he rest in peace.”

Vilanova was first diagnosed with cancer in 2011. He stepped down from his coaching post last year after leading his team to the top of La Liga to undergo further cancer treatment.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu paid his respects to Vilanova onTwitter. “Tito Vilanova was a wonderful person, and will never be forgotten at FC Barcelona. Thank you for everything you taught us. Rest in peace.”