Thousands of Barcelona fans pay tribute to Johan Cruyff at Camp Nou memorial
A final goodbye to the genius who changed Barcelona's history. Thousands of Cules have passed through the memorial to Johan Cruyff on Saturday morning, opened inside the Camp Nou. Thousands of cules of all ages have paid tribute to the former player and manager who has had an immeasurable impact on the last 40 years at Barcelona. And he will impact on the next 40 too. Because his legacy is immortal.
Grandparents, children, grand-children and great-grandchildren too, all turned up. Grandparents who enjoyed him as a player. Children who enjoyed him as a coach. Grandchildren who grew up with his pupil Pep Guardiola's triumphs, and great-grandchildren who know the future will be Cruyffista because the model is unrenouncable.
Cules mixed with figures from the present and past of Barcelona. President Josep Maria Bartomeu and the greater part of the board. And former president Joan Laporta, who could not stop his tears in front of the immense and marvellous photograph of Cruyff. And politicians, including Catalunya president Carles Puigdemont, or his precessor, Artur Mas.
Cruyff's greatness was even respected by his rivals. Florentino Perez led a Madrid delegate to the memorial, including former players Emilio Butragueno and Amancio Amaro.
During the next few days, until Tuesday at 9pm, Camp Nou will receive fans who want to pay their respect. The Barcelona squad are expected to head there after training on Tuesday, led by Luis Enrique. It's not yet known if or when Pep Guardiola or Xavi Hernandez will pass by. Or two former presidents who did not have, let's say, a good relationship with Cruyff - Josep Lluis Nunez and Sandro Rosell.
