Former Barcelona coach Vilanova undergoes operation

Former FC Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova underwent an emergency operation as he continues his struggle against cancer.

Vilanova is now suffering from gastric problems and had an operation late Thursday night at the Quiron clinic here, where his condition has been described as "stable but serious", reports Xinhua.

The 45-year-old was diagnosed with cancer of the parotid gland in 2011 when he was the assistant to Pep Guardiola but recovered after treatment and was named first team coach in 2012 when Guardiola announced he was leaving.

However, Vilanova suffered a relapse of his illness in December 2012 and had to travel to New York for treatment, returning to work in March 2013.

Vilanova saw Barcelona through to the La Liga title but had to renounce his position in July 2013, following another relapse which saw him need more treatment which he considered to be incompatible with his position as first team coach. He was replaced by Tata Martino, who is currently in charge of the first team affairs at the club.