Johan Neeskens, a part of the Ajax and Netherlands groups that created “whole soccer” within the Nineteen Seventies and a key team-mate of Johan Cruyff, has died aged 73, the Dutch soccer federation stated Monday. “With Johan Neeskens, the Dutch and worldwide soccer world loses a legend,” the KNVB federation stated in a press release, including that the midfielder had died on Sunday from an unspecified sickness. Neeskens was a part of the Ajax crew that received three straight European Cups within the early Nineteen Seventies and was additionally a member of the ‘Clockwork Oranje’ Dutch crew that reached consecutive World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978.
He received 49 caps for the Netherlands.
“With his attribute tackles, chic perception and iconic penalties, (he) will without end stay one of many main gamers that Dutch soccer has ever produced,” stated the KNVB.
After his enjoying profession, Neeskens took half in teaching programmes around the globe.
Known on the pitch for his uncompromising tackling, he additionally had a softer aspect, the KNVB stated in its assertion.
He was “a world citizen and a delicate household man who was pleased with his kids and grandchildren and who, till the very finish, knew the way to contact others along with his love for soccer.”
The KNVB stated it will maintain a minute’s silence on the subsequent two worldwide matches towards Hungary and Germany.
Ajax wrote on X: “We are deeply saddened to listen to concerning the passing of Johan Neeskens. Our ideas are along with his household right now.”
“Rest in peace, Ajax legend.”
Barcelona, the place he was often called “Johan The Second” (after Crujff), based on Dutch public broadcaster NOS, additionally tweeted condolences.
“A blaugrana legend who will without end be in our reminiscence.”
Current Dutch coach Ronald Koeman described Neeskens as his “nice idol”.
Playing soccer on the street as a boy, Koeman stated his mates both wished to be Crujff or Dutch star Willem van Hanegem.
“But I wished to be Neeskens,” stated Koeman, cited by native information company ANP.
“His type actually appealed to me. His struggle, for instance. And he was additionally a fantastic penalty specialist.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is printed from a syndicated feed.)
