Cancer-hit Vilanova thanks club, fans and looks ahead

BARCELONA: Cancer-stricken former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova published an open letter on Saturday to thank the club, fans and well-wishers as he embarks on further treatment having stepped down on Friday.

Vilanova, 44, had a tumour removed from a salivary gland in his throat in November 2011 and in December 2012 suffered a relapse, requiring further surgery and then 10 weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in New York.

Vilanova returned to the helm of Barcelona in March and led the club to the Spanish league title but stepped down on Friday evening.

On Saturday, Barca’s website carried his farewell letter.

“After five wonderful years (including a spell as Pep Guardiola’s assistant) being part of a team who have made the dreams of any coach reality the moment has come to confront a change in my professional life to dedicate my energies to continuing the process of (battling) the illness diagnosed a year and a half ago,” wrote Vilanova.

“The treatments I must follow from now on mean it is not recommended, in the doctors’ opinion, to dedicate myself 100% to the tasks of first team coach of FC Barcelona, but I shall continue to be close to and carry on working for this club which I love so much in other sporting tasks.

“It is not easy to leave this group of such special people, the players, the staff and the friends with whom I have shared such unforgettable experiences,” said Vilanova, who praised the club’s “human quality” while stressing his “eternal gratitude” to the club.

Vilanova also thanked the medical staff for their support and said he thanked “with all my heart” all those connected with the club, including the fans for their support.

He also insisted: “I am calm, strong and will confront this new stage in the process of my illness in the fullest confidence that all will go well.” At the same time, he requested privacy now he is away from the spotlight as he confronts the illness with his family.

He signed off by writing: “I would not like to end this letter without wishing good luck and all the best the new coach of the best team in the world.” — AFP