Johan Cruyff, 68, one of soccer’s greatest ever players and most influential coaches, has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
A statement on his official website on Thursday said the cancer had been discovered following recent tests in Barcelona.
“Over the past weeks, Johan Cruyff has been undergoing medical examinations at a hospital in Barcelona. During these examinations, lung cancer has been uncovered. The examinations are still ongoing,” the statement said.
“To respect the privacy of Johan and his family, and the fact that the examinations have not been finalised, further announcements cannot be made at the moment.”
Football has given me everything in life. Tobacco almost took it all away
An ex-smoker who had heart surgery in 1991, Cruyff emerged as one of the world’s greats in the early 1970s when he helped Ajax Amsterdam win three European Cups in a row from 1971-73 and also named European Footballer of the Year in 1971, 1973 and 1974.
In earlier days, Cruyff was often seen sporting a cigarette from the side of his mouth and known to light up at half-time or as soon as he stepped out of the showers.