Barcelona rename training ground ‘Camp Tito Vilanova’

FC Barcelona have officially renamed their first team’s training ground ‘Camp Tito Vilanova’ in honor of their former manager and club legend who passed away in April 2014.

Vilanova began his playing career in Barcelona’s youth system before moving on to numerous La Liga clubs during his senior career. The native of Catalonia went on to work as an assistant coach under former Barca boss Pep Guardiola before ultimately taking control of the club in 2012.

Unfortunately, Vilanova had to step down from his position in July 2013 due to illness and spent the next year battling cancer. The much-loved member of the Barcelona family succumbed to the disease in 2014.

This morning Barcelona players took to training of the ground formerly known as ‘Field 1’. But the facilities now dons the name of their former manager who was an inspirational leader during such difficult times.

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Club president Josep Bartomeu inaugurated the ground in a brief but moving ceremony shortly before the first team took to the field. The event was attended by club officials, members of Tito Vilanova’s family – including his wife and two childeren – as well as Barcelona players.

“Tito loved coming here,” Tito’s widow Montse Chaure said during the ceremony. “He said he was privileged to train the best team in the world.”

Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu added: “From now on all generations who come to train at the Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper will know who Tito Vilanova was.”

Programming note: Barcelona vs. Malaga will be shown LIVE on Saturday starting at 9:55am EST on beINSPORTS and DishWorld.