United Stars' Respect For Johan Cruyff

Manchester United is saddened to hear that Johan Cruyff, a true football legend and father of former Reds player Jordi, has passed away at the age of 68.

Cruyff came to fame as a creative star in the Ajax and Holland teams of the early 1970s, helping the Amsterdam club to win three consecutive European Cups and the Dutch national side to reach the World Cup final of 1974. He was also a three-time winner of the European Footballer of the Year award, the accolade scooped by United's George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton in the 1960s and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.

After starring with Ajax, Cruff dazzled on the pitch with Barcelona before successfully coaching the Catalan team to four La Liga titles from 1991 to 1994. Cruyff also guided them to a European Cup Winners' Cup final meeting with United in May 1991 but Alex Ferguson's men emerged victorious in Rotterdam.

Alex signed Johan's son Jordi five years later after the attacking midfielder had impressed when playing in England for Holland at Euro '96. The new arrival from Barcelona was given the no.14 shirt at United, the number associated with his father.

Jordi, who is now a sporting director at Maccabi Tel-Aviv, tweeted on 19 March: "In Spain it's father's day! Thanks for being who you are & teaching me life's values, my role model @JohanCruyff."

On hearing today's news, United manager Louis van Gaal told ManUtd.com: "It is a very sad day for the footballing world, to lose one of the true legends of the game. My thoughts are with Johan's family at this difficult time."

The Reds' goalkeeping coach, Frans Hoek, tweeted: "Johan thanks for everything. RIP."

United ambassador Sir Bobby Charlton, speaking via the Laureus World Sports Academy, said: “I was proud to have known Johan. He was one of those great, great footballers that made you excited whenever he got the ball and began to play. There was always expectation in the crowd when Johan was on the pitch. There wasn’t a negative thought in his head. He loved the game, he loved sport and he loved life.

“He was one of the greatest footballers I have ever seen, you would put him in the same class as Pele, Di Stefano and Maradona. The kind of football he played changed the game and still has an impact today.”

Reds winger Memphis is currently in Cruyff's birthplace of Amsterdam, preparing for the Netherlands' friendly match against France on Friday night. He commented: "Recently I heard someone say, 'When I'm abroad and tell people I'm from Holland, they say the country that's famous for its tulips and for Johan Cruyff.' That's something that will always remain the same. A true legend, who's no longer with us. It's a sad day."

Peter Schmeichel, one of Jordi Cruyff's former team-mates at United, tweeted: "Terrible news that Johan Cruyff has passed away. One of the greatest players ever, a true giant in our game, he will be sadly missed. RIP."

Two former United and Holland strikers, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie, also used social media to express their sentiments.

Van Nistelrooy tweeted: "RIP Johan Cruyff. Thanks for everything you gave us, on and off the pitch. #Forever14 #Icon."

Van Persie posted: "RIP Johan Cruyff. The best ever Dutch player we had and will have! The man who changed the game we all love! You have been a big inspiration in my football life Johan! Thank you & may your soul rest in peace!"

Staff at Manchester United send their sincere condolences to Jordi and Johan's other family members and friends.

Credit: Manutd.com