Football lost one of its all-time greats on Thursday when it was confirmed that Johan Cruyff has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 68.
It’s hard to think of one person who has done more for football, as a player and a visionary, than the Dutch legend.
And even as he neared the end, Cruyff found time to discuss the finer points of the game he loved.
Just three days ago he tweeted his compliments to PSV Eindhoven for their performance during their Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid.
PSV lost 8-7 on penalties after the tie finished goalless after the two legs.
A few days later Ajax took advantage of those heavy PSV legs to win 2-0 at the Philips Stadion in the Eredivisie.
From his sickbed Cruyff was still able to appreciate the effort, commitment and ruthlessness of the game.
My compliments to @PSV for the way they fought against @Atleti and to @AFCAjax for taking advantage of that. More: https://t.co/KlkWHXd2yC
— Johan Cruyff (@JohanCruyff) March 21, 2016
He will be missed.
