Spanish football was in mourning Friday after the news of the death of former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova at the age of 45, dpa reported. "FC Barcelona is in immense mourning. Tito Vilanova has died at the age of 45. May he rest in peace," Barca said on Twitter. Meanwhile, a personal tribute from Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu read: "Tito is an eternal human and sporting reference point for Barcelona. Thanks for everything you taught us. Rest in peace." Joan Laporta, president of Barca from 2003 to 2010, wrote: "My profound condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Tito. A big hug." Barca's local rivals Espanyol issued an official statement saying: "Espanyol lament the death of Tito Vilanova, and would like to express their support for his family and friends." Many other clubs - including Spanish rivals Real and Atletico Madrid plus English side Manchester City - sent their tributes and condolences. Spain manager Vicente del Bosque told Radio Marca: "This is a real drama. A man of just 45 years, with half his life ahead of him, has left us. "I talked to him recently. He was a pleasant person and always wanted to help others." Meanwhile, Jorge Perez, general secretary of the Spanish football federation, said: "Spanish footballl is in mourning. Our condolences to Barcelona and to his family." Perez said there would be a minute's silence for Vilanova before the weekend's matches. Barcelona and Villarreal will wear black armbands in his honour during their game Sunday. Condolences have also been sent in by tennis stars David Ferrer and Feliciano Lopez and by basketball idol Pau Gasol. Earlier Friday, Barcelona's Quiron hospital said that Vilanova was in a critical condition after an emergency operation due to gastric problems. Vilanova was diagnosed with cancer of the parotid gland, a particularly serious form of throat cancer, in 2011, when he was assistant coach at Barca to Pep Guardiola - who is now in charge at Bayern Munich. He took over as head coach when Guardiola stepped down in 2012 and guided Barca to the league title - with a club record 100 points - despite missing several months of the season due to treatment in New York. Vilanova resigned in July 2013 due to his worsening condition, and was replaced by Argentine coach Gerardo Martino. He cut his teeth as a coach at Catalan club Palafrugell, then in 2007 was asked by his friend Guardiola to be his assistant with the Barca B team then with the first team. Vilanova helped Guardiola to guide Barca to the most successful spell in the club's history, and was a popular choice when Guardiola stepped down in 2012. His 15 year-old son Adria is a promising player in Barca's youth scheme. -- SPA 21:56 LOCAL TIME 18:56 GMT تغريد
