THE Spanish football community is in mourning after the death of FC Barcelona’s former coach Tito Vilanova after a two-year battle with cancer. He was just 45-years-old.

FC Barcelona announced in a statement it was in “immense mourning.” The club plans to open part of the main grandstand so that fans can offer their condolences.

As a midfield player Vilanova made more than 300 professional appearances. He was assistant manager at the Nou Camp from 2008-2012 and was appointed as manager in April 2012. However, he was forced to stand down last year after he was re-diagnosed with cancer of the salivary gland which was originally spotted in 2011.

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