Former Ballon d'Or winner Johan Cruyff has revealed that he has received "very positive" results in his fight against lung cancer.

The 68-year-old, who was diagnosed with the disease last year, said in a statement today that he was "sure" he would beat the illness.

"After several medical treatments I can say that the results have been very positive, thanks to the excellent work of the doctors, the affection of the people and my positive mentality," wrote the former Netherlands international.

"Right now, I have the feeling that I am 2-0 up in the first half of a match that has not finished yet. But I am sure that I will end up winning."

Cruyff, who won the Ballon d'Or three times in the 1970s, enjoyed his best club years with Ajax and Barcelona between 1964 and 1978.