[attach id=267750 size="medium"]Tito Vilanova... hard decision.[/attach]

Tito Vilanova has expressed his gratitude to Barcelona’s players and staff for the support shown to him throughout his reign and vowed to continue working for the club he loves in some capacity after stepping down as head coach last week.

The Catalan giants confirmed on Friday that the 44-year-old would not be able to continue in his role as he continues to receive cancer treatment.

In an open letter published on the club’s official website yesterday, Vilanova wrote: “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.

“The doctors recommend that, with the treatments that I must follow from now on, I cannot devote 100 per cent to the tasks of head coach as required by FC Barce-lona. But I will continue to work closely for the club that I love on other sporting tasks.”

Vilanova was Pep Guardiola’s assistant before being promoted to the top job last summer when the record-breaking coach decided to take a one-year sabbatical from the game after winning 14 trophies in four seasons.

In his one campaign in charge of the club, Vilanova led Barca to their fourth Primera Liga title in five years, becoming only the second team after Real Madrid to reach the 100-point mark.

He acknowledged it was difficult to stand down from his position, saying: “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 me and the affection you have shown.”

Vilanova, who last week claimed Guardiola “wasn’t there for me” during his rehabilitation in the US, went on in his letter to thank club officials and doctors for their support.

“To all of you, members and fans of the club, I also want to thank you wholeheartedly for the support and affection that you have shown – not just now but over the last few months,” he said.

Guardiola, speaking after his Bayern Munich side’s 4-0 pre-season win over Hamburg on Saturday, wished his “friend” well in his continued battle.

The 42-year-old Catalan said: “It’s difficult for me to talk about a friend like Tito in German.

“I love him so very much. This is very, very hard for me.”