Vilanova's decision was announced by club president Sandro Rosell and director of football Andoni Zubizarreta in a press conference on Friday.

Successor to Pep Guardiola, Vilanova's first season in charge at the Camp Nou was heavily affected by his battle with cancer.

Vilanova was appointed on June 15 last year but was forced to temporarily relinquish his position to assistant Jordi Roura as he underwent treatment after being diagnosed with cancer for the second time in December 2012.

The 44-year-old returned to the dugout in March to oversee Barcelona's successful charge to the Spanish title, but has opted to leave his post after learning that he suffered a relapse of his illness.

"Tito Vilanova will continue treatment of his illness, he will not be able to continue as FC Barcelona's head manager," Rosell said.

"This is a very difficult blow to the club, but we have overcome many difficult setbacks."

Rosell confirmed that the first-team squad would not be travelling to Poland for a scheduled pre-season friendly with Lechia Gdansk in the wake of the news, and revealed that he expects to name a new manager within seven days.

"We will most likely announce the name of the next FC Barcelona manager early next week," he added.