Dutch icon Johan Cruyff has died at the age of 68, it has been announced.

The former Dutch international, an icon at both Barcelona and Ajax, has passed away following a battle with cancer.

A statement on his official website confirmed his passing.

"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 was told of his illness in October.

In February the three-time Ballon d'Or winner declared himself positive of winning his battle with the disease, saying: "Right now, I have the feeling that I am 2-0 up in the first half of a match that has not finished yet."

As a manager, Cruyff led Barcelona to four successive La Liga titles (1991-94) while also winning the 1992 European Cup at Wembley with a 1-0 win over Sampdoria. His philosophy continues to run through both the Catalan and Amsterdam clubs to this day, their successes seen in many quarters as his legacy.

But it was as a player where Cruyff was perhaps most revered.


Star turn: Cruyff inspired at the 1974 World Cup

He made his debut for Ajax as a 17-year-old spending nine years with the club, winning six Eredivisie titles and three successive European Cups before joining Barcelona in 1973.

The following year he proved the star turn at the 1974 World Cup, at the height of his playing career, leading the Oranje to the final in West Germany.

In the final he won Holland an early penalty, converted by Johan Neeskens, but the Dutch fell short, losing 2-1 to the hosts.


Uniting presence: Cruyff shone for Ajax...


...And later joined Feyenoord to win their first league title in a decade


He won player of the tournament after shining throughout. In all, he won 48 caps for his country, scoring 33 goals.

A prolific goalscorer, and a great creator for others, Cruyff even had his own trick, famous to this day. The 'Cruyff turn' was perfected by its inventor, who finished his playing career in Holland with a second spell at Ajax before spending his final campaign at the Amsterdam club's most bitter rivals, Feyenoord - whom he led to their first title for a decade.

Cruyff underwent double heart bypass surgery in 1991 and, having been a smoker, immediately gave up after the operation. He took to sucking lollipops when in the dugout.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/johan-cruyff-dead-aged-68-7621135

Adieu. Hw many shares 4 him

So sad.

So Cruyff is 68 now. Hmmm how time flies.

RIP Johan Crufff

As a true cule I am really sad. The father of the modern Barcelona football club is dead. He will be deeply missed. fare well soul brother.

So sad....

The creator of total football... The reason y barca play the way they do , so as arsenal and the Dutch national team...spain inclusive ... Brought barca to lime light in Europe.... A legend indeed, the greatest dutch player of all time and wud most definitely be amongst the top 10 best European players of all time

He changed a lot.

Anybody that question Johan Cruyff, doesn't know football-Anto Perera

foot ball lose

lalasticlala

Rip man dis should hit FrontPage