Friday, June 21, 2024 - Former Manchester United manager, Louis van Gaal has shared an update on his health two years after he revealed that he suffers from aggressive prostate cancer.
After the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Dutchman, 72
resigned from his third stint as Netherlands boss after the tournament to focus
on fighting his prostate cancer, which requires him to undergo radiation
treatment and use a urine bag.
Now, the manager is filming for a documentary titled 'Always
Positive' alongside the director of the Spanish National Cancer Research
Centre, Maria Blasco. The film will serve to support oncological research.
In an interview with Spanish outlet AS, Van Gaal
explained how he is coping while living with the disease, delivered an update
on the treatment he is receiving, and opened up on being 'used to death' in his
family.
Asked if the prostate cancer has changed his outlook on
life, Van Gaal said: 'Not much, really. Look, I come from a family in which we
are nine brothers. I am the smallest. My father died when I was 11 years old.
He died at 53.
'My first wife died when she was 39. And all my brothers
died too soon. I'm used to death. That's why I know that death is a part of
life, and you can deal with it.
'When I first heard I had cancer I said, “Okay, it's not
good news, but I better try to do something about it.” Each human can react in
a different way. That's why I say: “Be yourself.”'
Van Gaal coached Manchester United between 2014 and 2016,
lifting the FA Cup during his final season at Old Trafford.
He took a five-year break from management before returning
to the Netherlands dugout in 2021.
The 72-year-old had battled with the disease for over a year
before announcing the news publicly to the world, appearing in good health
while managing his country.
'I have always looked very young, that is the reason for my
good appearance,' he said, laughing. 'My mother was dying and until the last
moment she had her face like a flower. No one could see that she was sick. And
I have the same problem. Or the same luck.
'I have been living with the disease for just over three
years, with radiation, hormone injections, operations, catheters and urine
bags. It's unbelievable, but I can handle it. I have managed it, and I
have been able to do it even working during the last World Cup.
'I even think that during the World Cup I managed it even
better, because I had a goal. And with the cancer process it happens just like
with the process of being a coach, you look for a goal. For me it was positive
to deal with both things.'
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