Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has paid tribute to Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff, who passed away last week due to lung cancer.

The Spanish midfielder called Cruyff the 'the ideological father of football.'

He writes in his personal blog: "Of course, I don't want to overlook the sad news of Johan Cruyff's death. Many things have been said about him these days.

"I would like to add that I consider him the ideological father of football; the one I try to play like and the one I look to learn from as a spectator whenever I watch a game. The intelligent use of the ball and the spaces, the importance of talent over the physical condition and the understanding of football as a team sport are concepts that I definitely endorse.

"Besides, I think that the idea of attacking and taking the initiative of the game, match very well with the philosophy and greatness of Manchester United, where his son Jordi played.

"It's a great loss but we will always have his legacy - 'He was the game'."