Johan Cruyff, Football Legend, Dies Aged 68
The Dutch star, who played as striker for both
Ajax and Barcelona before going on to manage both clubs, was diagnosed
with lung cancer last October.
A statement on his website said: "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."
Cruyff burst on to the footballing scene
in the early 1970s when he helped Ajax win seven league titles and three
European Cups in a row from 1971-73.
Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff 1947-2016 (RIP)
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He was named
European Footballer of the Year in 1971, 1973 and 1974.
He joined Barcelona for a then-world record
transfer fee of $2m and led the club to their first La Liga title in nearly 15
years in 1974.
On the international stage, Cruyff
captained Holland at the 1974 World Cup final, and led the Dutch side to the
final.
He also created his own trick - the now-famous
'Cruyff turn' - where the player fools a defender by hooking the ball behind
their own leg before swerving away in the direction of the ball.
Cruyff finished his playing career in Holland
with Ajax and Feyenoord.
The prolific goalscorer then turned his
attention to coaching and managed Ajax from 1985 to 1988, before moving to
Barcelona.
In charge at the Nou Camp he won a series of
trophies including the European Cup in 1992, and four league titles.
A heavy smoker, he underwent major heart
surgery in 1991, after which he gave up the habit.
He was sacked by Barcelona in 1995 but remained
influential at the club for the rest of his life.
Cruyff's death
has shocked the footballing world with clubs and players across Europe paying
tribute.
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."
Barcelona tweeted: "We will always love
you, Johan. Rest in peace."
The Dutch football association (KNVB) posted on
Twitter: "With great sadness we have learned of the death of Johan Cruyff.
Words are not enough."
The former Liverpool striker Ian Rush wrote:
"Very saddened by the passing of Johan Cruyff - a dear friend,
unbelievable player and a national hero!!"
Ossie Ardiles, the former Argentina and
Tottenham midfielder, said: "Johan Cruyff. Extraordinary player. One of
the best ever. Had the privilege to play with him twice. RIP"
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