Former Barcelona star Hristo Stoichkov has admitted that he feels "broken" following the death of Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff.

Cruyff passed away at the age of 68 in Barcelona on Thursday after losing his battle against cancer.

The Dutchman, while manager of Barcelona, signed Stoichkov in 1990 and the side became known as the 'dream team' as they won four La Liga titles on the bounce, as well as the European Cup in 1992.

"I am broken," Stoichkov told Mundo Deportivo. "I want to leave Miami and go to Barcelona to say goodbye to the man who did so much for me. Playing for Barca, winning the Golden Ball - without him none of it would have been possible. He gave me the chance to play with the 'dream team', to enjoy playing football and win titles.

"When I was in Barcelona they made me feel optimistic because they said he had made improvements. Now this news is a blow I was not expecting. It is very hard for me and my family. We loved and admired him. Johan was unique. He was the man that changed the destiny of Barcelona."

Cruyff won the Ballon d'Or in 1971, 1973 and 1974.