Barcelona coach vows quick return
“I will be away for a while but I will be back soon,” Barcelona sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo quoted Vilanova as telling his players after doctors told him he needed surgery for cancer that has returned to his salivary gland.
The club said the 44-year-old will be in hospital for four days and then need up to six weeks of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
“Vilanova is very strong and we are convinced he will come back to us soon,” said Sandro Rosell, the club’s president.
The news came at a dramatic moment for Barca, flying nine points high at the top of La Liga while their fierce rivals and title holders Real Madrid are suffering a malaise. Barca’s sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta said assistant coach Jordi Roura would stand in for the time being, acting as coach when the side travels to Valladolid for tomorrow’s league game.
Leading names from the sporting world, including Real Madrid, sent their best wishes to Vilanova.
“Real Madrid wishes to express all its support, love and affection for Vilanova,” said a statement issued by the club.
Former Valencia star David Silva, now of Manchester City, also sent a message of support.
“All my support and best wishes for Tito and all those who are battling cancer on a daily basis,” said Silva.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 21st, 2012.
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