Dutch great Johan Cruyff dies at 68 after losing cancer battle

Dutch icon Johan Cruyff has died at the age of 68.

Cruyff, who represented Holland 48 times as well as starring for Ajax and Barcelona during a glittering career, passed away on Thursday after his battle with cancer.

A statement on his website read: '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, who won three European Cups and eight Dutch titles with Ajax, was diagnosed with lung cancer last October.

In February, he released a statement insisting that treatment was going well and that he believed he would make a full recovery.

It read: 'After several medical treatments I can say that the results have been very positive, thanks to the excellent work of the doctors, the affection of the people and my positive mentality.

'Right now, I have the feeling that I am 2-0 up in the first half of a match that has not finished yet. But I am sure that I will end up winning.'

Cruyff's son Jordi, who had a spell with Manchester United between 1996 and 2000, paid tribute to his father last Saturday – Father's Day in Spain – via Twitter.

'In Spain it's father's day! Thanks for being who you are & teaching me life's values, my role model @JohanCruyff.'

Cruyff is regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history and was the leading star of the Dutch team that introduced 'Total Football' to the world.

Under the strategy, players pass the ball frequently to seek advantage, and switch positions seamlessly to adjust to the flow of play. Latin American admirers referred to the orange-clad Dutch national team as 'The Clockwork Orange'.

Cruyff was the personification of a total footballer, playing deep or shallow as the moment required, as deadly from the wings as from his assigned position in the centre. He was among the first to see defenders as part of the attack.

Cruyff captained Holland at the 1974 World Cup, at the height of his playing career, and led the Dutch to the final.
Source: AFP