Barcelona's Andres Iniesta offers Tito Vilanova support

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has offered his support to Tito Vilanova after the coach was forced to leave the club due to illness.

It was confirmed on Friday that the 44-year-old would be stepping down from his role at Camp Nou to receive further treatment for throat cancer.

"Tito will once again win this terrible battle facing him," Iniesta told AS. "On behalf of the players and everyone, I send him all my love and support. At the end of the day, this is about a person, not a coach."

Barca are expected to name their new coach early next week.