Quote Hanger

One of the greatest players the world has ever known. A symbol of elegant play. An inspiration. A source of admiration for fans. He has marked football history forever

Gianni Infantino, Fifa President

Today football has lost one of its best ever players and ambassadors. I am very sad because Johan was my childhood hero, my idol and my friend. I will miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his family, and I send them my love

Michel Platini, UEFA boss

He was a unique figure in world football. He gave football a unique touch that some try to copy, like the current Bayern Munich coach (Pep Guardiola) who as a player at Barcelona was influenced by Cruyff’s game

Sepp Blatter, former Fifa president

He was not only a very good friend; he was like a brother to me Franz Beckenbauer, former West

Germany and Bayern Munich player

We will never forget you, skinny Diego Maradona, Argentine football

legend

Another legend has left us

Lionel Messi, Barcelona star

Football has lost a man who did more to make the beautiful game beautiful than anyone in history

Gary Lineker, former England striker who played under Cruyff at Barcelona

I had the privilege of having him as a coach when I played at Barcelona. He was, without doubt the greatest coach I had, his teachings will be eternally with me. He knew better than anyone how to take advantage of what every member of the team did best and he knew my skill was scoring goals.

Romario, former Brazilian striker