Barcelona name training pitch after Vilanova

The late Tito Vilanova has been memorialised after former club Barcelona named one of their training pitches in his honour.

Barcelona have renamed a training pitch at their Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper facility after Tito Vilanova, who died at the age of 45 last year following a lengthy battle with throat cancer.

After succeeding Pep Guardiola, whom he had previously assisted for the 2012-13 season, Vilanova guided Barca to the Liga title with a club record haul of 100 points.

However, his sole campaign in charge was interrupted by illness and he was forced to step down in July 2013.

At a ceremony on Friday, Vilanova’s wife Montse Chaure spoke of her pride at the tribute to her late husband.

“Tito loved coming here,” she said. “He said it was a privilege to train the best team in the world and he loved the players.

“This is the best way to remember him – everyone together and with a smile.”

Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu added: “From now on, all generations that come to train at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper will know who Tito Vilanova was.”