Jordi Cruyff thanks football fans for tributes after his father's passing

Jordi Cruyff has offered his thanks for the “deeply touching” expressions of admiration by the football community since the passing of his father Johan yesterday.

Johan Cruyff lost his battle with lung cancer having been diagnosed in October, passing away with his family by his side in Barcelona.

Since news broke early yesterday afternoon figures from across the world of football have offered their condolences to the family and expressed their sympathy.

It was perhaps Johan Cruyff’s former club Barcelona, who he revolutionized both as a player and manager, who best summarised the response of football fans around the world to the news.

They simply tweeted: “We'll always love you, Johan. Rest in peace.”

In the first public statement by the Cruyff family since confirming his passing Jordi Cruyff, who followed his father into football and enjoyed success at Barcelona and Manchester United, posted on the word if Johan Cruyff website.

The statement read: “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.

“It has touched us deeply that Johan was such an inspiration to many of you. We would like to express our special thanks to all the doctors and medical staff who have supported us until the end.”

The Cruyff management team went on to offer further thanks to those organising tributes to the Dutch icon. Those are set to include a 14th minute pause, commemorating the former Ajax star’s iconic number, in Friday night’s friendly between the Netherlands and France in Amsterdam.

“The family is currently making arrangements for a private farewell to Johan as their beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend,” the statement added.

“Once again, we do ask you to respect the privacy of the family in these emotional and sensitive times.

“In the upcoming days we will communicate via www.johancruyff.com when a memorial endorsed by the family and Cruyff Management will take place.”