The statue was unveiled exactly at 14.14 by Sjaak Swart, Johan Cruijff, who died in March 2016, was born exactly 78 years ago today.
It is the second statue of Johan Cruijff in Amsterdam, because right next to the stadium, diagonally in front of the fanshop, there was also a revealed in 2020. Now there is a statue in the stadium that was named after the old master exactly eight years ago.
Impact
Yet a second image of Johan Cruijff had to come there, says Arena director Tanja Dik. “You notice the visitors to the tours and the supporters that Johan makes such a beautiful, big impact. Not only for the main entrance – although he also belongs there – but also where it all happens, where Johan preferred.”
As if it still gives instructions from above. Then I went to look at old images and and then I always saw that finger. As if it still gives instructions from above. Frankey won inspiration for that finger ‘The creation of Adam‘, who painted Michelangelo in the 16th century. That hand is exactly the same. You feel about this, Cruijff is still involved in his ‘gods sons’.
Loss
According to Sjaak Swart, who himself also had a deserving career at Ajax, Johan is still the very best ever. He still misses his teammate almost nine years younger. “Occasionally I sometimes have that you are sitting and thinking: goddamn, what a pity that he is no longer there. “
“When you see how he points to the field, then you recognize and then you see him,” says Stadiond Director Dik. “Last week we walked around with Jordi (his son, ed.) And his grandchildren. They have the same. That makes it extra beautiful.”
The statue becomes part of the stadium tour in the Arena, so that people can also view it up close.
Street Art Frankey places street art every week, usually in the public space of Amsterdam. He previously made a statue of André van Duin on the Rokin, in honor of his 75th birthday.