Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has expressed his "immense sadness" following the death of his friend and compatriot Johan Cruyff.

The Dutch legend, a three-time European Footballer of the Year winner, passed away on Thursday at the age of 68 following a battle with cancer.

He is regarded as one of the sport's greatest figures, having enjoyed a trophy-laden career both as a player and a coach, and Hiddink insists that his impact on the game cannot be overstated.

"I received the news of Johan's death with immense sadness," he told Chelsea's official website. "Firstly, I have lost a friend. I knew Johan well for many years and we spent time together in both the Netherlands and Spain.

"Johan was a great man and always made sure he remained approachable to many people. His influence on the game, both as a player and a coach, cannot be overstated.

"We will miss him very much, but football will forever be indebted to his genius. What he taught us about the game is still as relevant now as it was 40 years ago. My thoughts are with his wife Danny and his family at this very sad time."

The Ajax legend helped the Dutch club to three successive European Cups from 1971, and then won the same competition as Barcelona coach 21 years later - the Catalans' first European Cup.

He was also a beaten finalist in a World Cup when West Germany edged out the Netherlands 2-1 in 1974.