Vilanova was forced to step down because of a relapse in his battle against throat cancer, which he said left him unable to focus fully on his job.
“After five wonderful years as part of a team that has made dreams come true for any coach, it’s time to face a change in my professional life and focus my energy on continuing to fight the disease I was diagnosed with a year and a half ago,” Vilanova said in a statement on the club’s website.
“It is not easy to leave this very special group of players, fellow staff and friends with whom I shared many memorable experiences.”
