Dutch soccer legend Cruijff suffers from lung cancer

The 68-year-old Dutch soccer legend Johan Cruijff has been diagnosed with lung cancer, his management confirmed on Thursday.

"In the past weeks Johan Cruijff has undergone medical examination in a hospital in Barcelona and he was diagnosed with lung cancer," his management said. "However, the investigations are still ongoing."

"Because of the privacy of Johan and his family and the fact that the investigations have not been completed, further announcements cannot be given at this time," the statement continued. "We hope that you will respect the privacy of Johan and his family. When the probe search are completed we will announce the details."

Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf made public on Thursday morning that Cruijff, who lives in Barcelona, Spain, suffered with health problems with Catalunya Radio claiming he has lung cancer.

Cruijff made name as a player in the early 1970s with Ajax, winning three European Champions Cups (1971, 1972, 1973) and the Intercontinental Cup in 1972. In 1974 he led the Netherlands to the World Cup final with an attacking style of play, called "Total Football". He continued his playing career at FC Barcelona, winning the Spanish title in his first season, Los Angeles Aztecs, Washington Diplomats, Levante, Ajax again, to end his career at Feyenoord.

After his playing career Cruijff became a successful coach at Ajax and FC Barcelona. With Ajax he claimed the European Cup Winners Cup in 1987 and he led Barcelona to a period of great success with among other trophy's four league titles and their first European Champions Cup in 1992 with the so-called "Dream Team". He put an end to his managerial career in 1996, but never stopped expressing his vision on his loves Ajax, FC Barcelona and the Dutch national team.

Cruijff used to be a heavy smoker until 1991. After he was diagnosed with atherosclerosis at the age of 44, he had to undergo a bypass operation and quit smoking instantly. Endi