Blow: Johan Cruyff has reportedly been diagnosed with lung cancer
Johan Cruyff was the first player to win the Ballon d'Or
three times, and as a coach laid the foundations for Barcelona's future
success.
Johan Cruyff, the legendary figure for both Barcelona and
Dutch football, has been diagnosed with lung cancer, according to widespread
reports in Spain.
Cruyff discovered on Tuesday that he was suffering from the
disease and will now undergo further tests to ascertain how much the condition
has advanced, Catalunya Radio and RAC1 both reported on Thursday morning citing
sources close to former player and coach.
The 68-year-old, who most recently held a post as manager of
Catalonia's unofficial "national" team, previously underwent heart
surgery in 1991 during his time in charge of Barca.
One of the game's greatest ever players, Cruyff was a key
part of the Ajax side that won three straight European Cups between 1971-73,
and also the Dutch national side which reached the World Cup final in 1974.
Although he was on the losing side against his country's neighbours and major
rivals, West Germany, Cruyff was named the Player of the Tournament and the
same year won the last of his three Ballon d'Or titles.
He moved to Barcelona in 1973, but despite winning La Liga
and the Copa del Rey during his five years at the Camp Nou his biggest impact
came when he returned as manager in 1988.
Having led Ajax to two Eredivisie titles and the Cup
Winners' Cup, Cruyff brought even greater glory to Catalonia. He steered the
club to four league titles and their first European Cup during his eight years
in charge, as well as laying the foundations for the club's heavy focus on
youth development and defining a style of play that ran through all levels at
the club.
Legend: Cruyff during his playing career
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