Cruyff loses cancer battle
Posted Sunday, March 27, 2016 by Foxsports.com
Dutch legend Johan Cruyff has passed away at the age of 68 after losing his battle against cancer, his family announced on Wednesday.
The former Netherlands international was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2015, having been a heavy smoker until he underwent open heart surgery in 1991.
Cruyff declared last month that he was feeling "very positive" after receiving treatment, but the disease finally claimed his life just one month before the Dutch icon would have celebrated his 69th birthday.
"On March 24 2016 Johan Cruyff (68) died peacefully in Barcelona, surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer," read a statement on the worldofjohancruyff website.
"It's with great sadness that we ask you to respect the family's privacy during their time of grief."
As a player, Cruyff was part of the famed Oranje team that was revered for their brand of "total football" in the 1970's, while he won league titles at Ajax and Barcelona as well as being a three-time winner of the Ballon d'Or.
He also led the Blaugrana to four successive La Liga trophies and their first-ever Champions League crown as manager.
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