Dutch legend Johan Cruyff has used his weekly column in De Telegraaf to thank the media, clubs and fans for their support after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Cruyff, 68, confirmed that he was suffering from the disease last week and the former Barcelona, Ajax and Netherlands is undergoing further medical tests to see how far it has spread.
This weekend, Barcelona walked onto the pitch for their 3-1 win over Eibar wearing orange shirts, while fans at Eredivisie fixtures gave the Dutchman, and all sufferers of cancer, a standing ovation in the 14th minute.
"Often the media are an additional load, but this week it was different," Cruyff wrote.
"It was emotional and heart-warming to see how a variety of media responded to my situation. I am extremely proud of the appreciation shown by all responses.
"Of course that does not mean that I'm happy with what happened to me. But if you don't think about my current situation, then it's all very special what happens.
"Like the action of the clubs, not only to me, but to applaud for all cancer patients. I think it's very strong that it's drawn wider. In this way, football and its fans showed a beautiful side.
"In the meanwhile we have to wait and see. It's annoying that it's leaked out so early, because all I know is that I have lung cancer -- that's all, because the investigation is still ongoing. I know the name, not the surname."
One of the game's greatest ever players, Cruyff was a key part of the Ajax side that won three straight European Cups between 1971-73, and also the Dutch national side which reached the World Cup final in 1974.
Although he was on the losing side against his country's neighbours and major rivals, West Germany, Cruyff was named the Player of the Tournament and the same year won the last of his three Ballon d'Or titles.
He moved to Barcelona in 1973, but despite winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey during his five years at the Camp Nou his biggest impact came when he returned as manager in 1988.
Having led Ajax to two Eredivisie titles and the Cup Winners' Cup, Cruyff brought even greater glory to Catalonia. He steered the club to four league titles and their first European Cup during his eight years in charge, as well as laying the foundations for the club's heavy focus on youth development and defining a style of play that ran through all levels at the club.