Cruyff: Tributes pour in for Dutch football legend!
Tributes have been flooding in following the passing of Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff.
Cruyff died on Thursday, aged 68, in Barcelona, following a lengthy battle with lung cancer.
One of the most iconic footballers of all time, Cruyff won countless major honours during his 20-year professional career.
Cruyff was also a successful manager, winning two Dutch Cups with Ajax, before again making the switch to Barcelona. There, he would win four consecutive league titles between 1991 and 1994.
Following the news, a number of clubs and organisations have been sharing their tributes to the legendary Cruyff…
Dutch FA: It is with great sadness that we’ve learnt of the death of Johan #Cruyff. Words cannot express the loss we feel. #14
Ajax: Johan Cruyff has passed away today at age 68. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones.
FC Barcelona: We’ll always love you, Johan. Rest in peace.
La Liga: La Liga mourns the passing of Johan Cruyff and sends its condolences to his relatives and to the Barca family.
The FA: We are saddened to hear of Johan Cruyff’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Scottish FA: Scottish football today mourns the passing of a true football icon, Johan Cruyff.
Sir Bobby Charlton: I was proud to have known Johan. He was one of those great, great footballers that made you excited whenever he got the ball and began to play. There was always expectation in the crowd when Johan was on the pitch. There wasn’t a negative thought in his head. He loved the game, he loved sport and he loved life.
Ronald Koeman: Deeply saddened by the death of my best coach and best friend. Thanks for everything. Forever in our heart.
Franz Beckenbauer: I am shocked. Johan Cruyff is dead. He was not only a very good friend but also a brother to me.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President: Cruyff was a magnificent player, one of greatest, a symbol of elegant play…he has marked football history for ever.
Lionel Messi: Another legend has left us today.
Louis van Gaal: It is a very sad day for the footballing world; to lose one of the true legends of the game. My thoughts are with Johan’s family at this difficult time
Ossie Ardiles: Johan Cruyff. Extraordinary player. One of the best ever. Had the privilege to play with him twice.
Jurgen Klinsmann: Very sad news about the death of legend Johan Cruyff. What an amazing player, coach, teacher and person he was.
Ronald de Boer: You get shock, goosebumps and tears in your eyes. It’s something that you can’t think of that he is not with us anymore.
Dennis Roach, former agent: He was tremendous. We had great times, he was very quick at taking the mickey. We had a good laugh. Cruyff at the time was exceptional.
Ruud van Nistelrooy: RIP Johan Cruijff…Thanks for everything you gave us, on and of the pitch.
Vincent Kompany: RIP Johan Cruyff. True football royalty. I don’t think anyone has ever influenced the game as much as he has done.
Xabi Alonso: The ’14’ will never be the same. RIP Johan Cruyff
Alessandro Del Piero: Thank you genius.
Ronaldinho: Today we regret the death of the great leader Johan Cruyff. My feelings to the family of this eternal legend.
Patrick Kluivert: YOU were too great to ever be forgotten . . . R.I.P. Johan Cruijff My sincere condolences to the family Cruyff
Steve Archibald: RIP Johan Cruyff, it was a great privilege knowing him, really nice man and a magnificent player and manager, sincere condolences to family
Sir Trevor Brooking: He was the conductor of the Dutch team. They were magnificent. He is one of the greatest players I was lucky enough to ever see.
Glenn Hoddle: Very sad to hear the news of Johan Cruyff, fantastic player and a sad loss to the football world. My condolences to his family.
Charlie Nicholas: Genius – I loved the man. Cruyff was a game changer. He put skill in the format of the game, and it became the most interesting thing,
Sergio Ramos: Goodbye to one of the all-time legends of football. Player and coach ahead of his time. RIP Johan Cruyff.
Gary Lineker: Sad to hear that Johan Cruyff has died. Football has lost a man who did more to make the beautiful game beautiful than anyone in history.
David Lynn, PGA Tour golfer: Had the pleasure of playing golf with Johan Cruyff a few times,even had him perform ‘the turn’ on a tee with golf ball once, RIP true legend.
