Johan Cruyff has been cremated in spain on HWN SPORTS

Cruyff, who was a runner-up in the 1974 World Cup final, scored 33 goals in 48 games for his country and won three European Cups with Ajax Amsterdam in the early 1970s as well as taking Barcelona to the European title as manager in 1992.

"It has touched us deeply that Johan was such an inspiration to many of you", said ex-Manchester United midfielder Jordi in a statement.

He wrote, "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".

Amsterdam officials said they were discussing the suggestion, but also had to consult Cruyff's family in the matter, as well as other major sponsors.

The referee stopped play to signal a minute's applause in the 14th minute, representing the iconic number worn by Cruyff for Holland.

As Pep Guardiola, one of his successful and influential successors as Barcelona coach, said: "He painted the chapel and Barcelona coaches since have merely restored or improved it".

Cruyff spent five years playing for Barcelona and went on to coach the Catalan giants, winning the La Liga title four times as manager.

The actual football rather pales into insignificance in light of recent events, but there is reason for both of these sides to give the game some attention.

He said, according to De Telegraaf: "This match will be dominated by a grand tribute to Johan Cruyff". We will not be able to see him when we would like to, but his legacy remains.

In Spain, the El Pais daily said "football has lost its great revolutionary".

Fans mourning the death of Johan Cruyff are paying their respects to the former player and coach at a temporary memorial in Barcelona's Camp Nou Stadium.

Cruyff, who is considered to be one of the greatest players of all time, moved from Ajax to Barcelona in 1973 and stayed there until 1978.

"I got to meet and talk to Johan Cruyff on one occasion and I am very sorry that he has passed away".

Cruyff helped end an era of dour defensive football, inspiring the Dutch team in their Total Football offensive that took them to the 1974 World Cup final.

Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu inaugurated the memorial Saturday morning for the "maestro" who "changed our club". However, Johan told you that you were bad because you ran too much - that you had to send the ball where you want and not run there.

Johann Cruyff was more than just a great football player, who won the Ballon d'Or thrice, and acclaimed coach.

Source: WWWN, HWN AFRICA.