Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff has died .Cruyff died today following a long battle with cancer.

A statement posted on his official website read, “On March 24 2016 Johan Cruyff (68) died peacefully in Barcelona, surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer,” a statement on his official website read.

“It’s with great sadness that we ask you to respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief.”

During his playing career he played for Ajax Amsterdam and Barcelona and was named European footballer of the year three times.

He was a key figure for the famous Dutch team that reached the 1974 World Cup final and was eventually beat 2-1 by West Germany.

He later coached Barcelona and won four La Liga titles as their head coach.

Image credit: FC Barcelona