![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ajaxdaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cropped_REUA_510471.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
His time at Old Trafford can hardly be described as a triumph, a succession of injuries severely hampering his progress and potential for a lengthy run in the first team. One side effect of the move to England was that Alex Ferguson, who was good friends with Jordi\u2019s dad, invited Johan to attend training sessions. Imagine being a fly on the wall during their pitch-side conversations, as these two giants of modern football exchanged ideas and theories.<\/p>\n
The trips to England became family affairs as Johan and wife Danny enjoyed their time in Manchester, discovering a particular pizza restaurant that they repeatedly visited. One time, Danny remarked to the owners that she really liked the giant salt and pepper shakers that these sorts of places are fond of \u2013 for those that haven\u2019t seen them, they look like mini-Daleks, rather than seasoning dispensers – but for whatever reason, Danny was very taken with them and asked where she could buy a set. Very generously, the owners presented the Cruyff’s with a pair and, despite offers of payment, they were most insistent that they were a gift.<\/p>\n
Johan, touched by the gesture, then asked the owner if he could do anything for him \u2013 matchday tickets, autographs maybe? No, the man was a season ticket holder so that was no good. Then he had an idea. \u201cI\u2019ve always marvelled at the Cruyff turn \u2013 could you show us how it\u2019s done?\u201d Johan, never the shy and retiring type, replied \u201cno problem\u201d and enlisted the other customers to help move tables so the performance could be seen by all.<\/p>\n
Obviously, no ball was readily available so several napkins were bundled together to offer a makeshift solution and to rapturous applause, the Cruyff turn was demonstrated to a packed restaurant who would never forget what they witnessed that night. The source for my story then jokingly added Jordi then tried to do it as well, but instead fell over and twisted his ankle and was unable to train for six weeks. He didn\u2019t really, but it would have been typical of the way his luck ran during his time with United.<\/p>\n
One day we will have a more in-depth look at Johan, but I just wanted to offer this little story in honour of the great man.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"