By Daily Sports on March 24, 2016
Netherlands footballing great Johan Cruyff has died of cancer aged 68.
Cruyff, who made his name as a forward with Ajax and Barcelona, was European footballer of the year three times.
He won three consecutive European Cups with Ajax from 1971, coached Barcelona to their first European Cup triumph in 1992 and helped the Dutch reach the 1974 World Cup final, where they were beaten 2-1 by West Germany.
The Dutch FA said: “Words can hardly be found for this huge loss.”
It added: “The greatest Dutch footballer of all time and one of the world’s best ever. Our condolences go to his wife, family, friends and the entire football world at home and abroad. We wish everyone a lot of strength in this difficult time.”
He first showcased the ‘Cruyff turn’ at the 1974 World Cup in a match for the Netherlands against Sweden and scored 33 goals in 48 international appearances.
He scored 293 goals in 521 appearances for five different clubs – including 204 in 276 games while winning 18 trophies in two spells for Ajax.
Cruyff had double heart bypass surgery in 1991, and immediately after the operation gave up smoking and took to sucking lollipops in the Barcelona dugout.
He featured in a Catalan health department advert, saying: “Football has given me everything in life, tobacco almost took it all away.”
The Catalan side won four consecutive La Liga titles from 1990-91 to 1993-94 under his guidance and, although he was sacked in 1995, he remained influential at the club for the rest of his life.
Cruyff was diagnosed with cancer in October 2015 but in February of this year he said he felt he was “2-0 up in a match” against lung cancer and he was “sure I will end up winning.” (BBC)
•Photo shows late soccer legend Johan Cruyff.
Source Daily Sports
Posted March 24, 2016
You may also like...
Mourinho Wants Messi and Ronaldo Champions League Final...
Ozil calls Rihanna his lucky charm as the...
Conte played ‘big part’ in John Terry deal...
Simon backs Osimhen to score
Super-Sub Osimhen Shines in Lille Victory over Saint-Etienne...
Infantino's visit to Nigeria greeted with protests
Nigerians slam Eagles’ reliance on Osimhen
2026 W’Cup miss, moment of profound sadness – NFF
Finidi charges Rivers players to score more
NFF apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over Super Eagles’ World Cup miss
Osimhen big miss for Nigeria – DR Congo’s Sadiki
WCQ: Chelle claims DR Congo official used voodoo during penalty shootout
Anyanacho wins bronze at Islamic Game
FirstBank secures partnerships for Lagos Open
Nigeria wins best country crown at World Scrabble Champs
Our best wasn’t enough, Nwabali laments DR Congo defeat
'One of the best in Africa' - DR Congo coach admits Leopards are not on Super
We can’t celebrate yet – Chelle
Most Read
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,347 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (54,574 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,512 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,140 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,133 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,051 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (51,896 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,478 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,598 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,173 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,558 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,039 views)