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Barcelona and Ajax legend Johan Neeskens has died age 73.
The former midfielder is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of the twentieth century after playing a vital role for the likes of Barcelona, Ajax and the Netherlands.
Neeskens was a key member of the Netherlands team that were runners-up in the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cups and was known for his close relationship with former team-mate Johan Cruyff.
A statement from the Dutch FA on Monday read: 'The KNVB was deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Johan Neeskens.
'Johan was one of our greatest. We will miss him tremendously.
Met grote verslagenheid heeft de KNVB kennisgenomen van het onverwachte overlijden van Johan Neeskens.
Johan was een van onze allergrootsten. We gaan hem enorm missen.
We wensen zijn vrouw Marlis, zijn kinderen Christian, Tamara, Bianca en Armand, zijn kleinkinderen Djoy en… pic.twitter.com/z4ErJ7Hqeb
Barcelona and Ajax legend Johan Neeskens has died age 73, the Dutch FA has confirmed
Neeskens made 49 appearances for the Netherlands national team and scored 17 goals
Meanwhile, he made 140 appearances for Barcelona - where he won the Copa del Rey and the European Cup Winners' Cup
Neeskens was part of Netherlands team that finished runners-up in 1974 and 1978 World Cups
'We wish his wife Marlis, his children Christian, Tamara, Bianca and Armand, his grandchildren Djoy and Lovée, relatives and friends much strength in bearing this great loss. Rest in peace, Johan.'
In total, Neeskens made 49 appearances for the Netherlands national team and represented the nation in two World Cups and one European Championship.
Neeskens had a successful 23-year playing career before hanging up his boots and eventually taking on a number of assistant management roles.
Alongside Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, Neeskens was part of an Ajax side that won three European Cups and two Eredivisie titles during the 1970s.
After leaving the Dutch giants, Neeskens joined Barcelona - similarly to Cruyff - where he then won a Copa Del Rey and the European Cup Winners' Cup.
During his post-playing career, he held managerial roles at Swiss club FC Zug, NEC Nijmegen of the Netherlands and South African side Mamelodi Sundowns.
After the 2006 World Cup, Neeskens returned to Barcelona as part of the club's technical staff
He held managerial roles at Swiss club FC Zug, NEC Nijmegen of the Netherlands and South African side Mamelodi Sundowns and Turkish side Galatasaray (as an assistant)
Following the news, former club Ajax led tributes online as they wrote: 'We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Johan Neeskens.
'Our thoughts are with his family at this time. Rest in peace, Ajax legend.'
Spanish giants Barcelona also took to social media to share a message, as they posted: 'FC Barcelona deeply regrets the passing of Johan Neeskens.
'A blaugrana legend who will forever be in our memory. Rest in peace'.
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