Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has delivered a positive but heartbreaking update on his health, having revealed two years ago that he suffers from aggressive prostate cancer.
The Dutchman, 72, has enjoyed a glittering career in the dugout with top European clubs including Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and United — and even led the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar while battling the disease.
Van Gaal 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, and revealed last September that it would be a 'miracle' if he ever goes to the toilet by himself again.
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, which premieres on Wednesday, 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.”'
Despite living with prostate cancer — and having just finished an exhausting day of filming for the documentary — the interviewer described Van Gaal as looking 'spectacular'.
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.'
vuaabdipu
0
I wish Louis Van Gaal to die peacefully at an older age I wish he recovers soon
kambciopty
1
Divine healing in JESUS CHRIST MIGHTY NAME Amen
syimon
0
get well soon
dowaciprz
1
One of the most incredible coaches ... even Rooney dared to mention that he is best coach ever despite being coached by the legendary sir Alex fegie
wiecoprz
1
Praying for you Sir
vioempsuy
2
Wish you speedy recovery Vaal!!
wucbstz
1
may the God of all mercy heal you sir
zotaeiort
1
rascist
Yotainstz
0
Divine mercy and healing to come upon your life in Jesus mighty name.
hopcdktyz
0
I pray God's healing hands touch and heal u in Jesus mighty name Amen. It is well Sir
Sequoia
0
get well soon Sir
Vauabmprsy
0
get well soon
ANK3430
1
My prayers are with you LVG. Wish you the best against the disease
diueimnrs
0
God will heal u
Gabiyoo44
0
My prayers and thoughts are with LVG ❤️🤗
EmieGold
3
May the peace of God be with you 🙏
faecelsuyz
2
May God's healing and unfailing grace touch you Mr Van and many other people who are sick around the world. Amen..!!
Duobdkmpr
1
God heal u Mr Van
litaemoru
1
May you find healing
fomcmrty
0
this is what you get when you mess with Argentina 🤣🤣🤣🤣👎
A condom could have avoided this
Madridnemesis
0
European and cancer 5&6 they have the most deadly diseases and brings it to Africa those white bunny
Vatbeintz
1
I wish you a speedy recovery Louis 🙏🙏🙏
Zatdeimrsz
1
healings please
Yiddkorst
1
🙏🙏🙏
rafaeljoel
0
this is what you get when you mess with Argentina 🤣🤣🤣🤣👎
Wasteful night giving birth to a piglet
rafaeljoel
0
God's grace upon u
hipimnost
1
this is what you get when you mess with Argentina 🤣🤣🤣🤣👎
Another smartphone in the wrong hands
Rohikotuyz
1
Recovery is your portion
zazabemry
0
this is what you get when you mess with Argentina 🤣🤣🤣🤣👎
Very dumb and insensitive statement
nasbdilprs
1
my God give u strength to overcome all the challenges.
Niggerballsmonkey
0
this is what you get when you mess with Argentina 🤣🤣🤣🤣👎
ChelseaGreatest
2
You are heal sir
Bioailmnou
1
Grace of God be with you.
hinbelnrtz
0
All is well sir
Richmoney100
1
Speedy recovery sir
Zewabcdst
2
what a man
Nadeemhasan24
3
May God give strength to him to overcome this deadly diseases.. amen!
Luzeilpuyz
2
⚽🏆👍
Luzeilpuyz
3
Say what you want but he was always strong in everything he did