Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova loses long battle with cancer aged 45

Tito Vilanova was a highly respected man in football, and within life, and during his battle with cancer he remained a true warrior, never giving up, but sadly on Friday evening he lost his long, difficult battle with cancer. In November 2011 he has a tumour removed from this throat, but the problems began to reoccur, sadly. In July 2013 he stepped down as Barcelona boss, and a little under a year later he lost his fight.

FC Barcelona loved their former manager, and under different circumstances, wished he'd never had to leave, but they knew he needed to in order to fight this battle. The club explained their deepest sorrows, saying "FC Barcelona is in immense mourning. Tito Vilanova has died at the age of 45. May he rest in peace. The club wishes to express its most heartfelt sympathy to his family, who are being joined in these moments of mourning by FC Barcelona members and fans all around the world, as well as the rest of the footballing and sporting world. "

Vilanova was Pep Guardiola's assistant, but he took his role when Pep decided to take a break from the game, sadly his role only lasted a bout a year before he had to step down. He won the La Liga title during his one year reign, and he kept the Pep Guardiola brand of football, which many deemed impossible.

In his short time in charge Tito impressed everybody, breaking many records a long the way. Not only is football sad at losing a great manager, but they're sad at losing a great person. Please leave your best memories of the coach and your wishes in the comments box.