LOUIS VAN GAAL has given an update on his ongoing battle with prostate cancer.
The legendary Dutch manager, 72, was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of the deadly disease back in 2021 but initially kept his health battle under wraps.
Van Gaal, incredibly, managed to battle the disease during Holland’s 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar.
“I have been living with the disease for just over three years,” he said during an appearance on Humberto a Paris. “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.”
As is the case for millions of men battling prostate cancer around the world, basic human functions that once came naturally have become issues for the former Manchester United manager.
He said: “I am doing well. After three years of radiation therapy, kidney infections [and] prostate surgery, I can finally manage it.
“I can pee naturally again, which is important. But I cannot have sex anymore, that’s a problem.”
Former Ajax and Barcelona manager Van Gaal believes keeping himself physically and mentally busy has helped him combat the disease.
He said: “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.
Having cancer hasn’t changed Van Gaal’s outlook on his life, which, tragically, has been filled with loss from a young age.
“Look, I come from a family in which we are nine brothers,” he said. “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 asked if he’s fearing death, LVG replied: “Well, you don’t die that quickly from prostate cancer.
“Of course, there are people who die from it, but most people die from another disease.
“I haven’t really been afraid, but I haven’t found my life as enjoyable anymore.”
Many men shy away from speaking about their prostate issues, but not Van Gaal, who speaks to: “Support the people who also suffer from it a little, so that they can move on.
“That it can also affect people like me, that is actually the reason. I am always open: I say what I feel and think.”
Van Gaal is best known to English football fans for his two years as Manchester United manager which culminated in him winning the 2016 FA Cup shortly before he was fired.
During his management career he took Ajax to three league titles, Barcelona to two LaLiga triumphs and Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga among many other successes.
