Some Legends Are Never Forgotten- Johan Cruyff

The Dutch Flying Man, Johan Cruyff, dies at 68

The Barcelona legend, Johan Cruyff, bid goodbye to football and the world on March 26th, 2016. Tributes pour in from all around the world and as a Barcelona fan and a football fan, I dedicate this article to the late (Original) Flying Dutchman.

The Ballon d'Or winner played
 for Ajax since age 15.

The playmaker made quick
fans at FC Barcelona

Born as Hendric Johannes Cruyff, the Dutch player saw a successful career as a player followed by coaching the top clubs he played for like Ajax and Barcelona. In 1971, Cryuff became the first Dutch player to win the Ballon d'Or Award as European Footballer of the Year.

Cruyff continued his career in United States, playing for Los Angeles Aztecs in 1979-80 and the Washington Diplomats the next year. He also played for Levante UD and went back to home club Ajax before retirement. He ended his career   with Feyenoord.

As a player Cruyff scored 392 times over a 19-year career in 520 games. He landed Holland in the World Cup finals in 1974. He was voted Player of the Year on three occasions.

After his retirement, he went on to becoming coach with his clubs, Ajax and Barcelona. In his coaching career he had won 242 victories, 70 losses and 75 draws of the 387 matches.

The Dutch man took Holland to World Cup finals in 1974

The Holland star shared about his illness in public only last year in October. He was a heavy smoker until his heart surgery in 1991. It was only a month ago that the 68 year old had share that he was 2-0 up in his fight with lung cancer.

Support and Consolation poured in from fans and football fraternity:-

The World of Johan Cruyff website posted, "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 Dutch Football federation wrote, "With great sadness we have learned of the death of Johan Cruyff. Words are not enough."

FC Barcelona paid tribute sharing, "FC Barcelona would like to express its pain and sorrow at the passing away of Johan Cruyff, who was both an FC Barcelona player and a coach and who will forever be a legend at the Club.

“FC Barcelona wishes to send its most heartfelt sympathy to Johan Cruyff’s family at such a painful moment, a sentiment which the Club members, fans and the whole world of football and sport will share. Rest in peace. Thank you Johan."

The Catalonian club, FC Barcelona, held a tribute event in the memory of the late Barca player and coach.

Cruyff's home club Ajax issued a statement saying, "Johan Cruyff has died in Barcelona at the age of 68. The greatest Ajax player of all time had suffered with lung cancer since October last year. Ajax share in this great loss and wish the families much strength."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino paid tribute saying, "Johan Cruyff was a magnificent player, one of the greatest players the world has ever known. A symbol of elegant play. An inspiration. A source of admiration for fans. He has marked football history for ever. I'm very saddened by his death. He will be terribly missed."

Former Barcelona striker Gary Lineker wrote: "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."

The current Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi wrote, "RIP Johan Cruyff. Your legacy will live on forever."

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos wrote: "Goodbye to one of the all-time legends of football. Player and coach ahead of his time. RIP Johan Cruyff."

Manchester City central defender Vincent Kompany were among the first ones to share, he wrote, "Johan Cruyff, true football royalty. I don’t think anyone has ever influenced the game as much as he has done. We have all been touched and inspired by his vision and his believes. Football will miss him but we will never forget. #JohanCruyff."