Leroy Fer has fingers crossed that one of the all-time greats, Johan Cruyff, recovers from throat cancer.
The Dutch legend shocked the football world this week when he admitted he is battling the illness, and countryman and QPR midfielder Fer is hoping Cruyff beats his biggest opponent yet.
“It’s bad this sickness has happened to the best Dutch player of all time - and it’s given all Netherlands a big shock,” Fer said after the 3-0 win over MK Dons. “I want him just to get healthy and do everything we can to support him.
For younger readers unaware of how good Cruyff was, marvel at the man in the video below.
“He is one of the main people in Holland, and no one should have to suffer this.”
Cruyff, 68, described messages of goodwill as 'emotional and heart-warming.'
And the man who was pivotal in getting Holland to the 1974 World Cup final, winning three consecutive European Cups with Ajax, before playing and managing Barcelona where he won the European Cup in 1992 as boss, as well as being awarded three-time Ballon d'Ors, had one more tribute paid him at the weekend.
All over Holland at Eredivisie (top flight) games, fans stood up and applauded in the 14th minute to recognise the shirt number worn by Cruyff throughout his career.
