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According to Mundo Deportivo, a Spanish source, Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova has been diagnosed with cancer and the club has cancelled all their events today after learning the news.
The disease has now been said to have relapsed, after his reported operation on a parotid gland tumour in November 2011.
Sources have stated that Barcelona FC will not be making any official statement until and unless Vilanova talks to the players and the managing staff. It seems that fan favourite Josep Guardiola could be in-line for a surprise return to the Catalan club he managed for four years prior to Vilanova’s appointment.
Spanish television station Cuatro reported that Vilanova has suffered a relapse and has decided to step down with immediate effect. Barcelona have already contacted their first-choice candidate to replace him on a temporary basis for the remainder of the season and are awaiting a decision.
Tito Vilanova is yet to lose a league match this campaign, and boasts a 94% success rate so far.
Barcelona’s fiercest rivals, Real Madrid have also offered their support:
“Real Madrid want to express their support, love and affection to Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova and hope that he makes quickest recovery,” read the statement on the club’s official website.
“The Real Madrid C. F. extends this support to your club and your family.”
