In 1995, Ruud Gullit’s Italian love affair came to an end after he joined Premier League outfit Chelsea. However despite enduring a sour end to his Milan career, Gullit remains a club icon and a symbol of the days in which the black and reds ruled both Italy and Europe.

Ruud Gullit, right, changed the way English football looked at defenders and their skill sets. In his new book, "The Mixer," Michael Cox looks at the tactical evolution of the Premier League and how the game has developed over the last quarter century. Here, he details Ruud Gullit's sensational arrival in English football.

A classic example was Ruud Gullit, who was unquestionably one of the greatest players of his generation, having won the Ballon d'Or in 1987 and then captaining the Netherlands to European Championships glory the following year, playing as a No. 10 just behind Marco van Basten.

Ruud Gullit has reportedly issued a response to the Dutch fans who did a blackface tribute for the 1990s football legend at Euro 2024 on Sunday. The Netherlands beat Poland 2-1 and in the crowd there were three supporters – all white men – seen with their faces painted black and wearing fake dreadlocks.