Topics: La Liga, FC Barcelona, Eredivisie, Ajax, Johan Cruyff
The outspoken player, coach and exec died 'peacefully' in his home in Barcelona. His official Twitter feed revealed the news to the world.

Johan Cruyff, one of the most talented players to grace the game of football, died today after losing his battle against cancer.

The former coach and legend inspired a whole generation of players and coaches. Luis Enrique, Pep Guardiola and many more are among those who the Dutch legend inspired on and off the pitch.

Despite his relationship with Barcelona's execs, he decided to leve the Hononary President role he was handed by then-President Joan Laporta once he lost the election to Sandro Rosell. In the most recent years, Cruyff became one of the most outspoken figures in football, not holding back whenever anyone asked him about topics such as El Clásico, his influence in football and life itself.

His official Twitter feed revealed the news to the world.

Here are some of his most interesting quotes.

"Choose the best player for every position, and you’ll end up not with a strong XI, but with 11 strong 1’s."

"Players today can only shoot with their laces. I could shoot with the inside, laces, and outside of both feet. In other words, I was six times better than today’s players."

"Players that aren’t true leaders but try to be, always bash other players after a mistake. True leaders on the pitch already assume others will make mistakes."

"Playing football is very simple, but playing simple football is the hardest thing there is."

"I’m ex-player, ex-technical director, ex-coach, ex-manager, ex-honorary president. A nice list that once again shows that everything comes to an end."

Footballers and fans from around the world paid an homage to Cruyff's legacy. Here are some of their tributes.

"A sad day. A legend and a key person for Barca and football is gone. My thoughts go to his family"

 

Johan Cruyff (1947-2016)Nunca te olvidaremos, Flaco...Non ti dimenticheremo mai, "Flaco"...We will never forget you, "Flaco"...

Posted by Diego Maradona on Jueves, 24 de marzo de 2016
 

Nos deja otra leyenda.Another legend has left us today.- LIO

Posted by Leo Messi on Jueves, 24 de marzo de 2016

Hours after the news broke out. Spanish giants Real Madrid issued a press release mourning the loss of "an extraordinary footballer".

"A footballing legend, an icon of the sport, has passed away. I would like to express my deep sorrow following the death of Johan Cruyff and offer, on behalf of Real Madrid, and all Real Madrid supporters, our condolences and sympathy to F.C Barcelona and above all to his wife and children. He was an extraordinary player who defined an era, and therefore today is a very sad day for the footballing world," the press release says.