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Soccer and Coach Legend, Johan Cruyff
Netherlands and Barcelona soccer legend Johan Cruyff has died aged 68 after a battle with cancer. The former Ajax and Barcelona star had previously announced a period of ill-health in October 2015, indicating that he was set to undergo open heart surgery.
Earlier today, Cruyff's website announced that he had died. "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." The statement read.
Johan Cruyff made his name with Ajax, winning eight Eredivisie titles with the club over two spells and instituting a footballing philosophy that came to be known as 'Total Football'. With Coach Rinus Michels, Cruyff he reached the 1974 World Cup final with a Netherlands side that many regard as the nation's greatest of all time. After his first spell at Ajax, he moved on to Barcelona in 1973, winning the league and cup during his time at the club. He moved to the United States and then back to Ajax.
After his soccer career was over, Cruyff led Ajax establishing his true credentials as a Coach at Barcelona, winning four league titles, a European Cup Winners' Cup and the UEFA Champions League from 1988-1996.
Cruyff's influence was not limited to his immediate achievements as a Soccer Player and Coach, many credit the Dutch legend with instituting the tiki-take style that Barcelona has become famous for, reinventing the club's youth system that eventually produced the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
Johan Cruyff was extremely influential. As an outspoken and critical visionary, he strongly criticized Holland's style of play at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 'Who am I supporting? I am Dutch but I support the football that Spain is playing. Spain's style is the style of Barcelona... Spain, a replica of Barca, is the best publicity for football.', Cruyff wrote in his weekly column in Barcelona-based newspaper El Periodico, before the 2010 World Cup final match. Cruyff was well known for his outspoken views and strong personality.
The Johan Cruyff Foundation has provided over 200 Courts in 22 countries for children of all backgrounds to play soccer together. UEFA praised his foundation for the positive effects it has had on soccer and young people. His Johan Cruyff Institute has a special program for 35 athletes as part of the Johan Cruyff University of Amsterdam which is now a global network.
Cruyff had open heart surgery in 1991 and was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2015.
He is survived by his wife Danny Coster Cruyff of 48 years. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Chantal, Susila and Jordi and many grand children.
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A legend.
ReplyDeleteThis was an influential person who had serious impact and has now left an incredible legacy for the world to see and enjoy. Well done Sir. God bless you as you rest in perfect peace.
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