Four years without Tito Vilanova

In 2011, Vilanova discoverd a parotid gland tumour that he recovered from before relapsing in 2013. He fought valiantly, but lost his battle on 25th April 2014.

Tito arrived at La Masia, Barcelona's academy, at the age of 16 and developped his skills rapidly alongside Pep Guardiola. After pursuing separate paths, the two men reunited in 2007 at the club, taking it to the highest level. 

After managing Barcelona B in the second tier, the pair took charge of the first time and claimed 14 of the 19 titles on offer in a four year period that now marks the most illustrious era of the club's history. 

Without Pep, Vilanova took the reins by himself and, despite his illness, lead the team to their famous '100-point' La Liga triumph that saw them finish with a 15 point cushion over Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid. 

Now, four years after he passed away, we look back on the admirable career of the Barcelona hero. 

"Personally, I'll always carry the things he shared with me and the experiences we had together, I'll never forget them. Rest in peace, Tito," wrote Lionel Messi. 

Barcelona itself took to Twitter to honour their club legend: "Four years without Tito Vilanova. Your legacy will last forever."

 

25 April 2018