Former Netherlands midfielder Neeskens dies aged 73

Netherlands fable Johan Neeskens has died astatine the property of 73, the Dutch shot federation has confirmed.

The erstwhile midfielder was portion of the Ajax and Netherlands teams credited with creating "total football" successful the 1970s.

"With Johan Neeskens, the Dutch and planetary shot satellite loses a legend," the KNVB federation said successful a statement.

Neeskens was capped 49 times for the Dutch and was portion of the teams that finished runners up astatine the 1974 and 1978 World Cups.

At Ajax helium helped them triumph the European Cup 3 times and their home league twice.

Neeskens besides spent 5 seasons astatine Spanish giants Barcelona, winning the Copa del Rey and European Cup Winners' Cup with them.

"His sanction is everlastingly linked to European successes with clubs similar Ajax and Barcelona and 2 World Cup finals for the Dutch nationalist team," the KNVB added.

"With his diagnostic tackles, sublime insights and iconic penalties, [he] volition everlastingly stay 1 of the astir salient and beloved players to ever play for our country."

After retiring arsenic a subordinate successful 1991, Neeskens coached respective clubs and was besides an adjunct manager with the Dutch nationalist squad from 1995 to 2000.