Barcelona, Netherlands legend Johan Cruyff diagnosed with lung cancer

Johan Cruyff has been diagnosed with lung cancer, a
spokesperson for the legendary figure for both Barcelona
and Dutch football has confirmed.
Cruyff discovered on Tuesday that he was suffering from
the disease and will now undergo further tests to
ascertain how much the condition has advanced.
"He has been in hospital this week for tests and lung
cancer has been confirmed," Carole Thate, a
spokesperson for Cruyff, told the Associated Press.
As football figures wished his well, Cruyff took to Twitter
to express his gratitude for the messages of support in
Spanish, Dutch and English:
Muchas gracias, Dank jullie wel, Thank you for all your
support. https://t.co/XvmDdICj8p
- Johan Cruyff (@JohanCruyff) October 22, 2015
World football's governing body, FIFA, sent its support,
tweeting:
Wishing a speedy recovery to the incomparable
@JohanCruyff. This is just another challenge to conquer.
pic.twitter.com/06XineUfW8
- FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) October 22, 2015
Barcelona financial vice president Susana Monje sent
the club's best wishes to its former player and coach.
"We would like from the club to give Johan Cruyff and
all of his friends a very big hug after hearing today of
the situation that he is living through,'' Monje said.
Johan, you'll win this one too! The whole Club is behind
you.
- Josep Maria Bartomeu (@jmbartomeu) October 22,
2015
The Dutch football association and Ajax also expressed
shock and wished Cruyff and his family well.
A statement on the KNVB website read: "The KNVB was
shocked to hear of the serious illness of Johan Cruyff.
We wish him, his wife and family a lot of strength and
support. Our thoughts are with Johan and we hope for
the best for his health. As soon as possible, we will
notify the family of our condolences personally."
The 68-year-old, who most recently held a post as
manager of Catalonia's unofficial "national" team, was a
smoker during his playing days and previously
underwent heart surgery in 1991 during his time in
charge of Barca.
Afterwards, he became the face of an anti-smoking
campaign.
One of the game's greatest ever players, Cruyff was a
key part of the Ajax side that won three straight
European Cups between 1971-73, and also the Dutch
national side which reached the World Cup final in 1974.
Although he was on the losing side against his country's
neighbours and major rivals, West Germany, Cruyff was
named the Player of the Tournament and the same year
won the last of his three Ballon d'Or titles.
He moved to Barcelona in 1973, but despite winning La
Liga and the Copa del Rey during his five years at the
Camp Nou his biggest impact came when he returned as
manager in 1988.
Having led Ajax to two Eredivisie titles and the Cup
Winners' Cup, Cruyff brought even greater glory to
Catalonia. He steered the club to four league titles and
their first European Cup during his eight years in charge,
as well as laying the foundations for the club's heavy
focus on youth development and defining a style of play
that ran through all levels at the club.