Vilanova's Open Letter To
Barcelona Fans
"After five wonderful years as part of a
team that has made dreams come true as
a coach, the time has come to face a
change in my professional life and to
devote forces to continue the process of
the disease that I was diagnosed a year
and a half ago.
"In the opinion of the doctors and due to
the treatment I have to follow, I can't
spend the time that a team like Barcelona
would require as first coach to do my tasks,
but I will keep on working very close to
this club I love so much.
"It is not easy to leave this very special
group of players, fellow staff and friends
with whom I shared many memorable
experiences. I'll be eternally grateful for
everything you have given to me and I
have shown.
"The human quality and this football team
can go through any obstacle and I am
convinced that with its skills it will be able
to face the challenges of a sports season
which should be exciting for everyone.
"I also want to especially thank the
Chairman, the Board and sporting director
Andoni Zubizarreta for the confidence they
gave to me and, above all, unconditional
support, both sporting and personal.
"Equally important to me is the support I
received both medically and humanely
from Dr. Ramon Canal and his team of
doctors who are at my side. I do not play
this game alone, I'm a part of a supportive
club that will help me succeed in this long
process, as it has done until now.
"To all of you, members and fans of the
club, I also want to thank your samples of
support and affection that you had, not
just now but over the last few months. I'm
quiet, strong and I will face this new stage
in the process of my illness with full
confidence that everything is gonna be ok.
"Thank you to all football fans, colleagues
in the profession, clubs, athletes and
acquaintances for your messages of
encouragement that comforted me and my
family.
"These are difficult times for me and so I
requested the media respect and
comprehension. Once I stopped being the
coach of the club, I hope to have the
tranquility and privacy that me and my
family need right now.
"I cannot conclude this letter without
wishing luck and every success to the new
coach of the best team in the world.
"Thank you all.
"Tito Vilanova."