Johan Cruyff confident of overcoming cancer, saying he is "2-0 up at half-time"

The former Ajax, Barcelona and Holland star said in a statement on his official website: "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.

"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 was a heavy smoker until undergoing heart surgery in 1991, made his illness public in October last year.

The 68-year-old, who won the B allon d'Or three times, is regarded as one of the game's greatest ever players. He led Ajax to three consecutive European Cups from 1971 to 1973 and was the star figure as Holland reached the World Cup final in 1974.

By then he had joined Barcelona for a world record fee and became a huge favourite at the Nou Camp, eventually coaching the Catalan club to a first European Cup triumph in 1992 and four successive Primera Division titles.