Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen has paid tribute to Dutch legend Johan Cruyff.

The Belgian admits he values the education he received from Johan Cruyff University.

"Johan Cruyff, will always be remembered as the man who personally called me on a simple weekday. Not to talk about Ajax or about the Amsterdam canals, but about the importance of the 'study'. The study which he himself has created at the Johan Cruyff University.

"A man who gave me almost the feeling that I had to put football in second place because intellectual development was even more important.

"I then was very obedient, 'Yes sir', I replied to Cruyff and promised that I would make young athletes understand that, with the right guidance, it is perfectly possible to take account of a different future. Thank you Mr. Cruyff."