Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has thanked the club's fans for all the support he received during his ongoing battle with cancer.
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Vilanova returned to the bench as his side comfortably beat Espanyol 4-0 on Sunday night, and although his fight against cancer is not over, he heaped praise on the Barca faithful.
The Catalan giants extended their lead at the top of La Liga to 11 points following a goal apiece from Xavi and Lionel Messi and a brace from Pedro.
After the match, Vilanova said: "We started off really well. It's not easy to start like this after a break, but we showed that we're on form."
He added: "I would like to give thanks to everybody for their support. I've had a lot of messages and they help you. I want to thank the doctors and nurses at Vall d'Hebron and also to the club.
"At all times I've felt supported and protected by the club. I want to thank the staff and the players, as it isn't easy for them either."
The 44-year-old underwent an operation on a tumour on his parotid gland with many feeling he would not be able to coach the Blaugrana again this season.
But a grateful Vilanova was clearly delighted to be back for his team's first game of 2013.
"I also want to thank the media for how you have treated my illness and how you have respected me," he continued.
"This isn't over and at times I will not be at training and I hope that you continue respecting that. I know that I'm in a public position, but the illness is private."
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