Tributes to Dutch soccer great Johan Cruyff, who died Thursday at the age of 68 as a result of lung cancer:
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“With his intelligent play, superb technique and leadership, he quickly became an icon for Barca” – Barcelona website tribute to its former player and manager.
“Today football has lost one of its best ever players and ambassadors. I am very sad because Johan was my childhood hero, my idol and my friend. I will miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his family, and I send them my love” – former France and Juventus midfielder Michel Platini.
“He was not only a very good friend; he was like a brother to me” – former West Germany and Bayern Munich player Franz Beckenbauer.