New era at Barcelona begins as Vilanova pens deal as Guardiola replacement

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UPDATED:

12:04 GMT, 15 June 2012

Life after Pep Guardiola has officially has begun at Barcelona after his replacement, Tito Vilanova, put pen to paper on his two-year contract with the La Liga club.

Guardiola announced in April that he would be leaving Barca following four trophy-laden years at the Nou Camp. The 42-year-old Vilanova was Guardiola's assistant.

Sign here: Tito Vilanova has officially put pen to paper on a two-year deal

End of the road: Pep Guardiola

Vilanova, having been named as Barca's new coach immediately after his old boss announced his decision to step down, was formally confirmed in the post on Wednesday and on Friday signed his contract at the office of Barca president Sandro Rosell.

A statement on the club website confirmed: 'Vilanova has signed his new contract as first-team coach until June 30, 2014 in front of president Rosell, sporting vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu, sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and the coach's representative.

'At this same act, Jordi Roura has signed his new contract as assistant coach of the first team, and Aureli Altimira as fitness coach.

'With Tito Vilanova on the bench of the first team, the continuity of a model of play that is recognised throughout the world is assured. Girona-born Vilanova becomes the 16th Catalan coach in the club's history.'