Maccabi Tel Aviv’s owner Mitch Goldhar told the clubs’ official website: “On behalf of everyone at Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club, fans, employees, players and coaching staff I would like to offer our deepest condolences to the Cruyff family following the death of Johan who sadly succumbed today to cancer.
Jordi’s father visited us many times in Israel and as recently as only a few weeks ago. Over the years he became a part of the Maccabi Tel Aviv family sharing his knowledge with so many of us who will always hold him in high regard.
Johan was one of the world’s greatest players of all times and his legacy will live on forever. However, more importantly Johan Cruyff was a decent man who allocated his time and energy to people other than himself, particularly his family. He was especially proud of his son Jordi and his achievements at Maccabi Tel Aviv FC. Today, Maccabi lost a friend and one we will remember with great affection”.
Coach Peter Bosz added: “My initial thoughts are with Jordi and his family as they lost the father figure of the family but also the father figure of Dutch Football. Johan was and still is the biggest football player that Holland ever had and the one who always had a special idea of the way football must be played. As a player, I learned a lot from Johan but also as a coach and I feel blessed to have met him and spend an entire week with him only a fortnight ago.
“We managed to speak every day about football in general and about Maccabi Tel Aviv in particular – but the saddest thing is to be talking about Johan in past terms. We offer our sincere condolences to Jordi and his family and will continue supporting him“.
