The former Milan midfielder, who played alongside the Dutch great for Feyenoord during the eighties, has lauded his impact on football after hearing the news of his death
Ruud Gullit says Johan Cruyff was responsible for “putting Dutch football on the map” following the former Netherlands forward’s death.
Cruyff passed away from cancer at the age of 68 on Thursday after a wonderful and inspirational career as player and coach, most notably for Ajax and Barcelona.
Gullit, who played alongside Cruyff as a youngster at Feyenoord, has hailed him as an important mentor throughout his fledgling career and for the impact he had on raising the profile of Dutch football.
Thank you Johan for being my biggest inspiration and teacher. Thank you for paving the way for our generation … https://t.co/2fp2CYuBgv
— Ruud Gullit (@GullitR) March 24, 2016
He told Telesport: “I’m shocked. I thought he was doing better.
“Netherlands have lost a face in the world. He’s the one who put our football on the map.
“He was decisive for my career.”
