Barcelona's Tito Vilanova suffers a relapse of cancer
'Get well' messages flood in from far and wide as the Barcelona coach undergoes cancer surgery
Leading names from the sporting world sent their best wishes to Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova who underwent surgery yesterday and faces weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy after suffering a cancer relapse.
Barcelona captain Carles Puyol told the press: "The first message I've received is that the operation has gone very well."
Sports media quoted Vilanova as assuring players "I will be back soon," the evening before his surgery.
In a brief statement on their website, Barca said Vilanova's progress would determine how long he stayed in hospital, but it was likely to be three or four days.
Bitter title rivals Real Madrid issued a statement in support of Vilanova even before official confirmation from Barca that he faced renewed surgery.
"Real Madrid wishes to express all its support, love and affection for Barcelona's coach Tito Vilanova, to whom it wishes a quick recovery. Real Madrid extends this support to his club and all his family."