Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff says he is “proud” of the support he has received since the news of his lung cancer diagnosis broke.
The Dutchman’s illness has brought the football world together, with La Blaugrana players wearing ‘Anims Johan’ T-shirts prior to their match against Eibar on Sunday and a standing ovation being dedicated to him on the 14th minute of every Eredivisie game at the weekend.
“The media are often an additional burden, but the past week was different,” he wrote in his weekly column for De Telegraaf.
“It was touching to see a variety of media outlets respond to my situation. I’m very proud of the appreciation shown to me by everyone.
“Of course I don’t mean that I’m happy with what’s happened to me! But, my situation aside, what’s happening at the moment is very special.
“I’d like to thank the clubs for cheering on not only me but all patients with cancer. It was great. Football and its fans showed their beautiful faces.
“[Regarding his cancer], we have to wait and see. It’s annoying that the [news] leaked so early because all I know for now is that I have lung cancer, that’s all.”
