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Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova dies age 45

Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova dies aged 45

Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has died of throat cancer at the age of 45.

The Spaniard took over from Pep Guardiola in 2012 and led Barca to the La Liga title in his only season before standing aside last summer because of ill health.

Barca said in a statement: "The club expresses their deepest condolences over the passing of Tito Vilanova, who died today in Barcelona at the age of 45."

Vilanova, a former midfielder who spent his playing career largely in the Spanish second division, was Guardiola's assistant for four years at the Nou Camp.

He was first diagnosed with parotid gland cancer in November 2011 and the disease returned in December 2012, resulting in the Spaniard spending some time away from the club as he underwent surgery and treatment.

However, Vilanova did return in late March and won the La Liga title before resigning in July.

Barca club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said on Twitter: "Tito Vilanova was a wonderful person, and will never be forgotten at F

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