Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff has died of cancer at the age of 68. The three-time world player of the year, guided Holland to the World Cup final in 1974 and as a manager he spent eight years in charge of Barcelona.
“On March 24 2016 Johan Cruyff (68) died peacefully in Barcelona, surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer. It’s with great sadness that we ask you to respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief,” read a statement on the World of Johan Cruyff website.
“With great sadness we have learned of the death of Johan Cruyff. Words are not enough,” wrote the Dutch football federation on Twitter.
Ajax issued a short statement that read:
“Johan Cruyff has died in Barcelona at the age of 68. The greatest Ajax player of all time had suffered with lung cancer since October last year. Ajax share in this great loss and wish the families much strength.”
Cruyff, who was a heavy smoker until undergoing heart surgery in 1991, made his illness public in October last year. He was regarded as one of the game’s greatest players. He led Ajax to three consecutive European Cups from 1971 to 1973 and was the linchpin for Holland as they were beaten 2-1 in the final of the 1974 World Cup by West Germany.
photo credit: Xavier Rondón Medina
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He went on to become a huge fan favourite at the Camp Nou, eventually coaching the Catalan club to a first European Cup triumph in 1992 as well as winning four successive La Liga titles between 1991 and 1994, having managed Ajax from 1985 to 1988.
Barcelona tweeted: “We will always love you, Johan. Rest in peace.”
As a player Cruyff scored 392 times in 520 games over a 19- year career but his influence reached far beyond creating goals, thanks to his qualities as a leader, thinker and speaker.
As a coach he had 242 victories in 387 matches, with 75 draws and 70 losses.
Paul Ayorinde
newfanzone 