Dutch legend Johan Cruyff dies of cancer

Netherlands great Johan Cruyff has died of cancer aged 68, his official website announced today.

The site said he was surrounded by friends and family in Barcelona, where the former player and coach lived.

“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 said.

The three-time Ballon d'Or winner, who was heavy smoker until undergoing heart surgery in 1991, made his illness public in October last year. Just last month the former Ajax, Barcelona and Holland star, one of the main exponents of the world famous Total Football – the Dutch style of play popularised in the 1970s, said he was ‘2-0 up’ in his match with lung cancer.

Cruyff was regarded as one of the game’s greatest players. He led Ajax to three consecutive European Cups from 1971 to 1973 and was the linchpin for Holland as they were beaten in the final of the 1974 World Cup by West Germany. During the tournament his eponymous turn was first seen against Sweden and soon copied the world over.

After signing for Spanish giants Barcelona for a world record fee, Cruyff went on to become a huge favourite at the Camp Nou, eventually coaching the Catalan club to a first European Cup triumph in 1992 as well as winning four successive La Liga titles between 1991 and 1994.