Johan Cruyff, one of the biggest legends of the beautiful game of football passed away, at the age of 68, after his long and arduous battle with cancer.
Johan Cruyff 1947-2016 (RIP)
More https://t.co/Y5rif7KR4E
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Meer https://t.co/rPjPG2epxj pic.twitter.com/QcVfmeJINu— Johan Cruyff (@JohanCruyff) March 24, 2016
We’ll always love you, Johan. Rest in peace
https://t.co/OOKLgPnAyv— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 24, 2016
NEWS | Johan #Cruijff has passed away today at age 68.
Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/ez2JZMeR7x— AFC Ajax (English) (@AFCAjax_EN) March 24, 2016
Often hailed as the inventor of Total Football (an attacking style of play where any player could play in any position), Cruyff had lead the Netherlands national side to the 1974 World Cup final, where they lost out to hosts and eventual champions West Germany.
As news about Cruyff’s death spread on the internet, many started to put out their messages paying their respects to the deceased Dutch legend. Messages of condolence poured in from both Holland and the rest of the world.
RIP Johan Cruijff.. Thanks for everything you gave us, on and of the pitch. #Forever14 #Icon… https://t.co/TywsRBTjAo
— Ruud van Nistelrooy (@RvN1776) March 24, 2016
Johan Cruyff one of the most influential figures on our game we’ve ever seen. RIP
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) March 24, 2016
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.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 24, 2016
Like many others for me Johan Cruyff was very special. A visionary with elegance, purity and sublime skill. An Iconic player.
— Geoff Shreeves (@GeoffShreeves) March 24, 2016
Deeply saddened by the death of my best coach and good friend. Thanks for everything. Forever in our heart. pic.twitter.com/DnMWxydiAn
— Ronald Koeman (@RonaldKoeman) March 24, 2016
Some even took this opportunity to show the world once again, how much Cruyff had batted in favour of financial fairplay, and a good clean style of football. The former Netherlands captain was a great admirer of Arsene Wenger, who follows Cruyff’s philosophy of playing the beautiful game beautifully.
This is what the legend had to say about Arsenal’s manager “Arsène Wenger”. pic.twitter.com/STJPbjEDYA
— Wilshoholic (@Wilshoholic) March 24, 2016
However, arguably the most notable message was from Cruyff’s great rival from his playing days — former Germany captain Franz Beckenbauer. It was Beckenbauer, who had lifted the World Cup in 1974 ousting Cruyff, and the two shared a great rivalry during their playing days. However, as is evident from Der Kaiser’s message, they had become greater friends off the pitch, than they were enemies on it.
I am shocked. Johan #Cruyff is dead. He was not only a very good friend but also a brother to me. pic.twitter.com/aCKwDjIx9Z
— Franz Beckenbauer (@beckenbauer) March 24, 2016
