Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has led the tributes to former Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova, who has died at the age of 45 following a long battle with cancer.
Barcelona released a statement to say the club were in "intense mourning" following the death of the coach who led them to the La Liga title less than 12 months ago.
Mourinho had several run-ins with Vilanova during his time in charge of Real Madrid, infamously poking him in the eye on the touchline during a fractious El Clasico clash between the clubs in 2012.
But the Portuguese responded to news of Vilanova's death on Chelsea's official Twitter feed by saying: "Tito Vilanova's passing is a sad day for football, for Barcelona and most importantly for his family and friends. On behalf of everybody at Chelsea Football Club I send my deepest condolences at this most difficult time."
Vilanova had a tumour removed from his throat in November 2011, but suffered a relapse in December 2012, forcing him to step down as Barcelona coach in July last year to receive further treatment.
The former Barcelona youth team player was promoted to one of the biggest jobs in European football in June 2012 after working as assistant to Pep Guardiola before he stepped down to take a break.
His health issues returned less than six months later and he travelled to America, spending 10 weeks in New York for intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Although he returned to the Nou Camp in March to see Barcelona lift the La Liga title, he was forced to leave the club in the summer, with Gerardo Martino replacing him before the start of the season.
Barca said they would be opening a space in the main grandstand at the Nou Camp for people to express their condolences. The club's president, Josep Bartomeu, said on Twitter: "Tito Vilanova was a wonderful person, and will never be forgotten at FC Barcelona. Thank you for everything you taught us. Rest in peace."