Hagi: Cruyff inspired Barca switch

Gheorghe Hagi says a chance to work with the great Johan Cruyff was the reason he moved to Barcelona in 1994.

Hagi, a 124-cap Romania international, has revealed that the stature of his hero drew him to Camp Nou, and hailed the three-time Ballon d’Or winner for his help during their time together.

“He was amazing – the best,” Hagi told the FIFA website.

“When I went to Barcelona in 1994, he was the coach, and I went because of him. It was great, even though I didn’t always get a game. Working with him, I fulfilled my potential.

“When I was a child we did not get to see many international games but, even so, I was aware that the best in the world was Cruyff.”

Hagi played for Barcelona from 1994 to 1996, before finishing his playing career with Galatasaray.