Dutch great Cruyff diagnosed with lung cancer

It is not so much his failing health, but the current state of Dutch football that is leaving legendary midfielder Johan Cruyff dejected. “He has been diagnosed with lung cancer”, said Carol Thate, spokeswoman for Cruyff’s management.

“To respect Johan and his family’s privacy and because tests have not been finalized, no further information will be given at this stage”.

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.

Cruyff was a smoker until undergoing an emergency heart bypass in 1991.

Afterwards, he enjoyed a hugely successful managerial career with clubs like Amsterdam-based Ajax and Catalan giants Barcelona as well as a brief spell as adviser to Club Deportivo Guadalajara in Mexico.

“Muchas gracias, Dank jullie wel, Thank you for all your support”, he wrote.

At football grounds across the country over the weekend, fans gave standing ovations in the 14th minute of matches in a tribute to Cruyff, who rose to fame in the No14 shirt at Ajax.

A former Barcelona coach, Tito Vilanova was diagnosed with throat cancer while in charge of the team in the 2012-2013 season.

“Tobacco nearly took it all away”, he said.

Meanwhile well-wishes continued to pour in for the Amsterdam-born Cruyff, including from Barcelona, where the former Dutch forward played from 1973 to 1978 and coached from 1988 to 1996. “A beastly illness. Wish him well with the battle that lies ahead”. Cruyff’s ex-club Barcelona also showed their support by wearing t-shirts before kick off in their win over Eibar on Sunday. “I’m not that familiar with it yet, I only know the first name, but not the surname”.

“We have to wish him all the best, hope for a solution and the best possible outcome for him”.