Joyan Cruyff Dies At 68

[caption id="attachment_6652" align="alignnone" width="640"]Hendrik Johannes Cruijff[/caption]

Three-time European footballer of the year and Netherland football legend, Hendrik Johannes Cruijff, popularly known as Johan Cruyff is dead.

The 68-year-old died today, March 24, 2016, in Catalan Spain after a hard fought battle with cancer.

“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,” read a statement on his website.

The Dutch FA said: “Words can hardly be found for this huge loss.

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“The greatest Dutch footballer of all time and one of the world’s best ever. Our condolences go to his wife, family, friends and the entire football world at home and abroad. We wish everyone a lot of strength in this difficult time,” It added.

The former Barcelona coach, who was a heavy smoker until undergoing heart surgery in 1991, was diagnosed with cancer in October 2015.

He coached the Catalans to their first European Cup triumph in 1992, and led the Dutch national team to the 1974 World Cup final.

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