Dushanbe, 25.03.2016 (NIAT “Khovar”). – The Dutch footballing legend Johan Cruyff has died after a «hard fought battle with cancer».

The former Ajax and Barcelona star is considered one of the greatest players of all time, having led the the famed Netherlands team of the 1970s, exponents of ‘Total Football’, to the 1974 World Cup final.

He was also considered an exceptional manager. In charge of Ajax he won two KNVB Cups and ther Cup Winners’ Cup, although an Eredivisie title eluded him, while he won four Spanish titles and the European Cup in charge of Barcelona in the early 1990s.

Even after management he remained an influential figure at both clubs, while his coaching philosophy and attacking style of play influenced countless generations including Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola.