Sport

Louis van Gaal confirms battling prostate cancer

Netherlands head coach and former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has revealed he’s being treated for prostate cancer.

The 70-year-old made the admission on a television show in the Netherlands called Humberto on Sunday evening while promoting a new documentary about his life.

Van Gaal said of his players: “They don’t know. They see a blush on my cheeks and think, ‘what a healthy (person) that is’. That is of course not the case.”

He added: “I’ve been through a lot with illnesses, including with my own wife. So that’s just part of life.

“(I) as a human being have probably become richer because of all those experiences. I thought that should also be in the film.”

Van Gaal took charge as Netherlands boss for a third time in August 2021 having previously led them to a third-placed finish at the 2014 World Cup.

He replaced Frank de Boer after a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign where the Dutch exited in the last-16 and now he is due to lead his country at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this year.

On Friday, they were drawn against hosts Qatar, Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal and Ecuador in Group A of the tournament, which gets under way in November.

Before returning to the dugout with Netherlands, Van Gaal was in charge at Manchester United between 2014 and 2016.

He was sacked by the club and replaced with Jose Mourinho despite leading them to FA Cup success in the final game of his tenure.

United posted a message of support on their Twitter feed that said: “Everybody at Manchester United is fully behind our former manager, Louis van Gaal, in his battle against cancer. Sending you strength and courage, Louis.”

Van Gaal had previously won league titles with Ajax, who he also guided to Champions League glory in 1995, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich.

Treasure Orokpo

A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.

Recent Posts

Benue killings: Ortom cancels 64th birthday celebrations

Former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has called off all planned celebrations for…

1 day ago

Gov Alia appoints 2Face Idibia as Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed renowned music icon, Innocent "2Face" Idibia, as the…

2 days ago

Benue killings: Self defense is necessary, but let’s not be sentimental about it – Gov Alia

Governor Hyacinth Alia has stressed the importance of taking a clear-eyed, strategic approach to security…

2 days ago

Benue ranked among top HIV-affected states with over 202,000 cases – NACA

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has released its 2024 HIV spectrum…

2 days ago

Benue under siege: Gov Alia, NSA Ribadu clash over State’s security situation

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu have offered contrasting…

2 days ago

11 killed as armed herdsmen attack Benue Senator Emmanuel Udende’s Hometown

At least 11 people have been confirmed dead following a fresh attack by suspected armed…

2 days ago