Former Manchester United manager, Louis van Gaal has shared an update on his health two years after he revealed he was suffering from aggressive prostate cancer.
After the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Dutchman, 72, stepped down from his third stint as Holland boss after the tournament to focus on battling prostate cancer, which has left him undergoing radiation treatment. Have to pass through and use a urine bag.
Now, the manager is shooting a documentary titled 'Always Positive' with Maria Blasco, director of the Spanish National Cancer Research Center. This film will help in oncological research.
In an interview with Spanish outlet AS, Van Gaal spoke about how he is coping with the disease, provided an update on his treatment, and being 'used to death' in his family. I opened.
Asked if prostate cancer had changed his outlook on life, Van Gaal said: 'Not really much. See, I come from a family of nine brothers. I am the youngest. My father died when I was 11 years old. He died at the age of 53.
'My first wife died when she was 39. And all my brothers died very soon. I am addicted to death. So I know that death is a part of life, and you can deal with it.
'When I first heard I had cancer I said, “Well, that's not good news, but I'd better try to do something about it.” Each person may react differently. That's why I say: “Be yourself.”
Van Gaal coached Manchester United between 2014 and 2016, winning the FA Cup during his final season at Old Trafford.
He took a five-year break from management before returning to the Holland dugout in 2021.
The 72-year-old battled the disease for more than a year before publicly announcing the news to the world, appearing in good health while leading his country.
'I've always looked very young, that's the reason for my good looks,' she laughed. 'My mother was dying and her face was like a flower till the end. No one could see that he was sick. And I have the same problem. Or the same fate.
'I've only been living with this disease for 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 managed to make it work during the last World Cup as well.
'I even think I handled it even better during the World Cup, because I had a goal. And with the process of cancer, as with the process of becoming a coach, you find a purpose. It was positive for me to deal with both things.'