R.I.P Johan Cruyff

[karthy]

After a long battle against Cancer JC fell to the Big C. My thoughts prayers to his family and that his soul rest in piece.

In February, Cruyff said he felt he was “2-0 up in a match” against lung cancer and he was “sure I will end up winning”. Sad that he couldn't win this one.

He was much before my time but his skills were too good to miss if you are a football fan. another one falls to C

The Famous Cruyff Turn.



Goodbye, you were one among a few that inspired many generations of footballers.

[king nothing]

Turning into a shite year for losing folk.

[Bestie]

Numb. Kind of latched onto him as one of my 'historical' heros once I started to really learn about football beyond United. The great Dutch sides in '74 and '78 hold such romance.

I'm due to play 5/6 aside tonight - going to try a Cruyff turn at some point in his honour. The abject failure to execute it will not be in his honour.

R. I. P. to a genuine pioneer of the game.

[Deleted]

R.I.P to a genuine legend. On the same day that show's how how far modern football has sunken.

[CaajScot]

Again R.I.P Johan. You are now up there with all the other greats in Best, Eusébio and others, you will always be remembered and never forgotten. 

[johnboy14]

One of the true innovators of the game. His influence on clubs like Barcelona and Ajax is hard to quantify.

[smithy2]

Thoughts with his family, especially Jordi.

[CaajScot]

24/03/2016 15:57, Report by Adam Bostock

UNITED STARS' RESPECT FOR JOHAN CRUYFF

Manchester United is saddened to hear that Johan Cruyff, a true football legend and father of former Reds player Jordi, has passed away at the age of 68.

Cruyff came to fame as a creative star in the Ajax and Holland teams of the early 1970s, helping the Amsterdam club to win three consecutive European Cups and the Dutch national side to reach the World Cup final of 1974. He was also a three-time winner of the European Footballer of the Year award, the accolade scooped by United's George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton in the 1960s and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.

After starring with Ajax, Cruff dazzled on the pitch with Barcelona before successfully coaching the Catalan team to four La Liga titles from 1991 to 1994. Cruyff also guided them to a European Cup Winners' Cup final meeting with United in May 1991 but Alex Ferguson's men emerged victorious in Rotterdam.

Alex signed Johan's son Jordi five years later after the attacking midfielder had impressed when playing in England for Holland at Euro '96. The new arrival from Barcelona was given the no.14 shirt at United, the number associated with his father.

Jordi, who is now a sporting director at Maccabi Tel-Aviv, tweeted on 19 March: "In Spain it's father's day! Thanks for being who you are & teaching me life's values, my role model @johancruyff."

On hearing today's news, United manager Louis van Gaal told ManUtd.com: "It is a very sad day for the footballing world, to lose one of the true legends of the game. My thoughts are with Johan's family at this difficult time."

The Reds' goalkeeping coach, Frans Hoek, tweeted: "Johan thanks for everything. RIP."

United ambassador Sir Bobby Charlton, speaking via the Laureus World Sports Academy, said: “I was proud to have known Johan. He was one of those great, great footballers that made you excited whenever he got the ball and began to play. There was always expectation in the crowd when Johan was on the pitch. There wasn’t a negative thought in his head. He loved the game, he loved sport and he loved life.

“He was one of the greatest footballers I have ever seen, you would put him in the same class as Pele, Di Stefano and Maradona. The kind of football he played changed the game and still has an impact today.”

Reds winger Memphis is currently in Cruyff's birthplace of Amsterdam, preparing for the Netherlands' friendly match against France on Friday night. He commented: "Recently I heard someone say, 'When I'm abroad and tell people I'm from Holland, they say the country that's famous for its tulips and for Johan Cruyff.' That's something that will always remain the same. A true legend, who's no longer with us. It's a sad day."

Peter Schmeichel, one of Jordi Cruyff's former team-mates at United, tweeted: "Terrible news that Johan Cruyff has passed away. One of the greatest players ever, a true giant in our game, he will be sadly missed. RIP."

Two former United and Holland strikers, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie, also used social media to express their sentiments.

Van Nistelrooy tweeted: "RIP Johan Cruyff. Thanks for everything you gave us, on and off the pitch. #Forever14 #Icon."

Van Persie posted: "RIP Johan Cruyff. The best ever Dutch player we had and will have! The man who changed the game we all love! You have been a big inspiration in my football life Johan! Thank you & may your soul rest in peace!"

Staff at Manchester United send their sincere condolences to Jordi and Johan's other family members and friends.

www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2016/Mar/johan-cruyff-tributes-manchester-united-louis-van-gaal-memphis-van-persie-van-nistelrooy-schmeichel.aspx

[The real RedOrDead]

RIP to a true legend worthy of the title.
Thoughts go out to his family and friends

[Sméagol]

RIP, a legend gone too soon...

[Ask and you shall receive]

RIP Johan truly one of the all time greats

[WhatsTheMata]

Genius. This disease took him away in a brutal manner, but his legacy will remain in the history of football. RIP.

[Deleted]

RIP

[Sméagol]

[downunderred]

A Great Player and Manager - RIP