Reactions poured all over the world mourning the loss of Johan Cruyff, one of the most influential players and coaches of our time. As expected, the Dutch Football Federation revealed that the Oranje will pay their respects to the Dutch legend by stopping their friendly match against France after fourteen minutes, in order to observe a moment of silence and praise the former Oranje coach.
Another moment of silence will be observed prior to the game to tribute all those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks in Brussels.
Cruyff, who wore Number14 with the National Team, led The Netherlands to their first World Cup final in 1974, a match they would eventually lose against Germany. He became the architect of the concept known as "total football", and an inspiration for those who had the chance to work with him.
"Thank you for all the love" - Cruyff's son, Jordi
In a press release published earlier today on Johan Cruyff's official website, his son and former Barcelona player, Jordi Cruyff, thanked all of those who praised his father after his passing.
“On behalf of my mother, sisters and the rest of the family I would like to say thank you for all the love, kind words and memories that have been shared with us, since yesterday but also over the past months. It has touched us deeply that Johan was such an inspiration to many of you. We would like to express our special thanks to all the doctors and medical staff who have supported us until the end,” Cruyff wrote in his father's website.
Fans and more former footballers still remember Cruyff's legacy. Here are some of their thoughts ahead of today's friendly.
"The tributes tonight will still be beautiful #NEDvFRA"
Les hommages de ce soir vont encore être beaux #NEDvFRA
— Durkheim Jr. (@Lucas_phd) March 25, 2016
"Tonight is called the Johan Cruijff Arena stadium. That would be nice. great even"
Vanavond heet de Arena het Johan Cruijff stadion. Dat zou mooi zijn. Geweldig zelfs. #NEDvFRA @JohanCruyff
— Floyd Aanen (@FaanenFM) March 25, 2016
#NEDvFRA is doing a sixty second pause at the 14th minute to honor @JohanCruyff #Oranje #hupHollandHup
— JJ (@JJBlood_) March 25, 2016
Stoitchkov: "Cruyff was a genius. He will always be my friend and a footballing father. He always cared about me and my family."
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) March 25, 2016
Thank you Johan for being my biggest inspiration and teacher. Thank you for paving the way for our generation ... https://t.co/2fp2CYuBgv
— Ruud Gullit (@GullitR) March 24, 2016
RIP Johan Cruijff.. Thanks for everything you gave us, on and of the pitch. #Forever14 #Icon… https://t.co/TywsRBTjAo
— Ruud van Nistelrooy (@RvN1776) March 24, 2016
Former FIFA Presidential candidate, Michael Van Praag.
"I am devastated. Johan my dear friend, rest in peace"
Ik ben er helemaal kapot van.
— Michael van Praag (@MichaelvanPraag) March 24, 2016
Johan mijn lieve vriend, rust zacht. https://t.co/XiAuUkNHOj
"Barcelona's playing jerseys sporting Number 14 as a tribute for Cruyff at Barcelona's Camp Nou store"
Camisetas del Barça expuestas con el 14 en recuerdo a Cruyff ahora en la Tienda del Barça en el Camp Nou pic.twitter.com/QERCnOrmvq
— David Ibáñez (@DavidIbanez5) March 25, 2016
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