Tributes pour in for Dutch legend Cruyff

Johan Cruyff won three European Cups as a player with Ajax Amsterdam and Ballon d'Or titles in 1971 with Ajax and 1973 and 1974 with Barcelona, where he starred from 1973 to 1978.

Published : Mar 24, 2016 22:03 IST , Chennai

Johan Cruyff dribbles past Argentina goalkeeper Daniel Carnevali on his way to scoring a goal during the World Cup quarter-final in 1974.
Johan Cruyff dribbles past Argentina goalkeeper Daniel Carnevali on his way to scoring a goal during the World Cup quarter-final in 1974.
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Johan Cruyff dribbles past Argentina goalkeeper Daniel Carnevali on his way to scoring a goal during the World Cup quarter-final in 1974.

Johan Cruyff, one of the greatest footballers in history, died on Thursday at the age of 68 from lung cancer, his family announced.

Cruyff won three European Cups as a player with Ajax Amsterdam and Ballon d'Or titles in 1971 with Ajax and 1973 and 1974 with Barcelona, where he starred from 1973 to 1978. > Cruyff death a dark day - Sneijder

The footballing world reacted to the passing of the iconic Dutchman who led his country to the final of the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Newly elected FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, "Cruyff was a magnificent player, one of greatest, a symbol of elegant play...he has marked football history for ever." > Hodgson remembers "true legend" Cruyff

German great Franz Beckenbauer said, "I am shocked. Johan Cruyff is dead. He was not only a very good friend but also a brother to me."

Argentine football legend Diego Maradona bid farewell to the late Dutch maestro, promising "We will never forget you, skinny" on his Facebook page. Lionel Messi also paid tribute to Cruyff, saying on Facebook: "Another legend has left us."

Former French great Michel Platini, who is also a three-time winner of the Ballon d'Or award said, "He was one of the greatest footballers I have ever seen, you would put him in the same class as Pele, (Alfredo) di Stefano and (Diego) Maradona. The kind of football he played changed the game and still has an impact today."

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