The world of football has begun mourning the loss of former Barcelona Coach Tito Vilanova, who passed away this afternoon.
His family announced the news after the 45-year-old lost his two and a half year long battle with gland cancer and tributes via Twitter and other social media have begun to flood in.
Valencia: We wish to give our condolences to the friends, family and relatives of Tito Vilanova. Rest in peace.
Celta Vigo: Celta Vigo regrets the sad loss of Tito Vilanova and sends all its support to his family and friends. Rest in peace
Granada: Granada is sad to hear of the death of former Barcelona Coach Tito Vilanova. Our sincere condolences to his family.
West Brom Coach Pepe Mel: Goodbye to a great professional and a good friend. Rest in peace
Atletico Madrid: Our condolences to the family and friends of Tito Vilanova. Please accept the deepest sympathies for the Atletico family. RIP.
Barcelona’s Gerard Deulofeu, on loan at Everton: Rest in peace Tito Vilanova. Condolences to the family. Forever.
Liverpool’s Luis Suarez: Rest in peace Tito. All my support and strength to his family and friends.
Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes: Tito Vilanova, one of the best Coaches I have had in my career. Thanks for everything you have done. A strong hug to all his family and I give them all my love and support. Rest in peace.
Juventus: Juventus Football Club wishes to express its heartfelt condolences to the Vilanova family and Barcelona following today’s sad news.
Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas: A very sad day for the world of football. RIP Tito Vilanova, an example of strength and courage to everyone.
Liverpool: Following the sad news of the passing of Tito Vilanova today, the thoughts of everyone at LFC are with his family, friends and Barcelona.
Manchester United: MUFC is saddened to hear that Tito Vilanova has passed away. We extend sincere condolences to his family and our friends at Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa: Thank you for every moment, for every minute, for every second that you gave us and taught us about football.
Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas: Tito, thanks for everything you gave to football and to Barca. We are eternally grateful.
Atletico’s David Villa, formerly of Barca: My most heartfelt condolences to the family of Tito Vilanova. He has been an example of how to fight. We’ll never forget you.
Former Barca President Joan Laporta: My most heartfelt condolences to Montse, Carlota and Adria. Rest in peace dear Tito. Kiss.
Tennis player Rafa Nadal: Compared to this, nothing is important. A hug to all his family.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi: A difficult person to forget. We will always remember you. All my love to Tito’s family.
Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta: I have no words. You have been and will be an example. I’m proud to have been part of your life. I will never forget you. Sending lots of strength to your family. Rest in peace boss. A kiss.