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'Grateful' Vilanova bids farewell
Tito Vilanova has thanked Barcelona for "five wonderful years" of his life as statements of support continue to flood in for the outgoing manager, including from his predecessor Pep Guardiola.
Vilanova, 44, is unable to continue in his role as he receives cancer treatment, the club confirmed on Friday afternoon.
In an open letter published on the club's official website, Vilanovawrote: "After five wonderful years as part of a team that has madedreams come true for any coach, it's time to face a change in myprofessional life and focus my energy on continuing to fight the diseaseI was diagnosed with a year and a half ago.
"The doctors recommend that, with the treatments that I must follow fromnow on, I cannot devote 100 per cent to the tasks of head coach asrequired by FC Barcelona. But I will continue to work closely for theclub that I love on other sporting tasks.
"It is not easy to leave this very special group of players, fellowstaff and friends with whom I shared many memorable experiences. I'll beeternally grateful for everything you have given me and the affectionyou have shown."
Vilanova was Pep Guardiola's assistant before being promoted to the topjob last summer. In his one campaign in charge, Vilanova led Barca totheir fourth Primera Division title in five years, becoming only thesecond team after Real Madrid to reach the 100-point mark.
He had a tumour removed from his throat in late 2011, but suffered arelapse a year later. He underwent another operation on his parotidgland in December before beginning a course of chemotherapy andradiotherapy in New York, where Guardiola was taking a year-longsabbatical after leaving the Nou Camp.
"I also want to especially thank the president (Sandro Rosell), theboard and all the sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta for theconfidence they put in me and, above all, the unconditional support,both sporting and personal," Vilanova wrote.
"Equally important to me is the support I receive - both medical andhumane - from Dr Ramon Canal and his team of doctors who are on my side.I do not play this game alone, but as part of a supportive club thatwill help me succeed in this long process, as it has done until now."
He added: "To all of you, members and fans of the club, I also want tothank you wholeheartedly for the support and affection that you haveshown - not just now but over the last few months. I can tell you I'mcalm, strong and that I start this new stage in my recovery with fullconfidence that all will be well."
Vilanova ended his letter by requesting "tranquility and privacy", andwishing "much luck and every success to the new coach of the best teamin the world".http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1503587?cc=4716
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