The tributes continue to pour in for legendary Dutch playmaker Johan Cruyff after he died at the age of 68 on Thursday.
[ MORE: Cruyff most influential in history ]
A minute silence is planned in the 14th minute of Holland’s friendly with France at the Amsterdam Arena on Friday -- Cruyff made the No. 14 jersey famous when playing for the Dutch national team -- and plans have been revealed to rename the home of Ajax and the Dutch national team after one of the most famous Amsterdammers ever.
Cruyff made his debut for Ajax at the age of 17 after coming through their youth ranks and was the heartbeat of their famous teams which won three-straight European Cups from 1970-73.
[ VIDEO: Highlights from Cruyff’s career ]
A legend of the game in Holland who was the master of Rinus Michels’ “Total Football” ideology, Cruyff took Ajax and the Dutch national team to new heights.
Amsterdam city councilor Ed van der Burg has told Dutch TV that the city wants to rename the stadium in Cruyff’s honor and the council will discuss the matter with Cruyff’s family before re-naming the stadium after Cruyff. The president of the Dutch Football Association (KNVB), Michael van Praag, has fully backed the idea.
Cruyff’s son, Jordi, released a statement on Friday on behalf of the family and thanked the world for its support and for sharing so many wonderful memories during this difficult time.
[ MORE: Players, clubs react to Cruyff’s death ]
The legendary figure, who also starred for Barcelona and put down the blueprint which helped them become one of the most successful teams on the planet today, will be honored in many ways in the coming weeks and months as the tributes continue to flood. Many clubs, countries and individuals will want to pay tribute to one of the most influential men in soccer history.
Special commemorative newspapers paying tribute to Cruyff had sold out in Amsterdam on Friday as the largest city in Holland mourned the loss of one of its finest citizens.
