FC Barcelona coach Francesc Tito Vilanova i Bayó resigned from his post due to cancer yesterday.

The 44-year-old Spanish coach received treatment for throat cancer in the United States last year and it seemed that he had won the battle against cancer. But Vilanova has suffered another setback which has forced him to take a decision to focus on the new treatment.

Barça president Alexandre Sandro Rosell i Feliu made the announcement at a press conference yesterday: “The news I have is something that you never want to give. After evaluating Tito Vilanova’s routine tests, the treatment to follow will be incompatible with being the first-team coach. This is a very difficult blow to the club, but we have overcome many difficult setbacks. I want to ask for respect for the privacy of this process.”

The news led to a flurry of messages on social media. Here are some of the reactions on Twitter…

My thoughts and best wishes for a full recovery are with Tito Vilanova, his family and @FCBarcelona tonight.

— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) July 19, 2013

Jose Mourinho, his coaching staff and the Chelsea players also all send their best wishes to Tito Vilanova for his fast recovery.

— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) July 19, 2013

Terrible new about Tito Vilanova. Health always comes before football. Hopefully he has a speedy & lasting recovery #FCB

— Richard Buxton (@Richard_Buxton_) July 19, 2013

Best wishes to Tito Vilanova, who is stepping down as Barcelona manager due to throat cancer.

— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) July 19, 2013

Mucha fuerza para Tito Vilanova. Estoy seguro que se recuperará muy pronto. #AnimsTito

— Claro Ronaldo (@ClaroRonaldo) July 19, 2013

Un abrazo fuerte para Tito y toda su familia. Mucha fuerza para seguir luchando en este momento tan difícil

— David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) July 19, 2013

Just seen the terrible news about Tito VIlanova. Here’s wishing him well and sending strength to him and those around him. #animsTito

— Kay Murray (@KayLMurray) July 19, 2013

Good luck to the great warrior Tito Vilanova. #ànimsTito

— AC Milan (@acmilan) July 19, 2013

El fútbol es efímero igual q sus triunfos y derrotas.Toda mi fuerza para Tito Vilanova y su familia!!Animo!!este partido tb lo vas a ganar!

— Pepe Reina (@PReina25) July 19, 2013

The first and most important thing in life is health. My best wishes to Tito Vilanova in this difficult moment. #ànimsTito #GetWellSoon

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) July 19, 2013

Best wishes to Tito Vilanova in his continuing battle with cancer. mantenir fort el meu amico.

— Ian McGarry (@garbosj) July 19, 2013