Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that he is battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
The current Netherlands manager made the shock announcement on Dutch TV show Humberto while promoting his new film, LOUIS, and it is understood that the 70-year-old’s fight against prostate cancer is documented in the movie.
However, the diagnosis had been kept a secret from his players.
Van Gaal, who spent two years at Old Trafford winning the FA Cup, explained that he has undergone 25 treatments with the hope of overcoming the illness.
“I think you don’t tell people you work with like that because it might influence their choices, their decisiveness,” Van Gaal said, as per Voetbal International.
“So I thought they shouldn’t know. You don’t die from prostate cancer, at least not in ninety percent of the cases. It is usually other underlying diseases that kill you. But I had a pretty aggressive form, got irradiated 25 times. Then you have a lot of management to do in order to go through life.
“I did have preferential treatment in the hospital. I was allowed in through the back door when I went to an appointment and was immediately pushed into another room. I have been treated wonderfully. You will of course tell your friends and relatives about it. The fact that nothing has come out yet also says something about my environment. That’s great.”
On Friday, the group stage draw for the upcoming World Cup was held.
Netherlands were drawn in Group A alongside hosts Qatar, Senegal and Ecuador.
Van Gaal’s illness will naturally throw up questions about his managerial status.
His is widely regarded as one of the iconic coaches in the game, having managed Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich as well as United. This is his third spell managing the Netherlands.
We send our best wishes to Van Gaal.
