Former Manchester United coach, Louis van Gaal has provided an update on his battle with prostate cancer, discussing how he has been managing the disease daily for the past few years.
The 72-year-old former Manchester United manager spoke to Spanish outlet AS about his health, sharing insights into his coping mechanisms, treatment plan, and the impact of losing loved ones to illness.
Following his successful guidance of a team to the World Cup in Qatar, van Gaal decided to step down to prioritize his fight against prostate cancer, which involves undergoing radiation treatment and using a urine bag. Looking ahead, he acknowledged the challenges he faces, stating that it would be a ‘miracle’ if he regains full independence in the future.
“How am I doing? Well, I had surgery two or three weeks ago. They have tried to put everything in order, details of which I won’t tire you with further, but now we have to wait and see. On the 19th of September, I have to go back again and then everything will be decided – and then a miracle could take place that I can go the toilet by myself again.”
He responded: “I have always looked very young, that is the reason for my good appearance (laughs). 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 the same as with the process of being a coach, you look for a goal. For me it was positive to deal with both things.”
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.”’
He was asked what was that moment of exposure like for you when revealing to the media he had cancer, to which he replied: “I did it in part for the Prostate Cancer Foundation in Holland. I selected my interviewer and he convinced me to say things openly, because it was good for all the people who suffer from this disease, prostate cancer. I went to Umberto’s program to talk about this illness and how he had managed it up to that point. And that was very well received by the Prostate Cancer Foundation. And now I am doing this for María Blasco and the research that she has to do, because she likes to be better and better and cure more cancers. There are many types, too many.
How did you feel after saying it publicly?
For me it was really good, because that way I also informed my players of what was happening. Until that moment, they didn’t know.
What was it like being in treatment and coaching the Netherlands in a World Cup?
I don’t think that matters in your relationship with the players. When you can hide it, it’s better. But it was really this journalist who convinced me to say it openly. Yes indeed. Then the next meeting with my players was a little special.
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