Van Nistelrooy pays emotional tribute to Denis Law after his tragic death

Ruud van Nistelrooy has paid an emotional tribute to Manchester United legend Denis Law after his tragic passing at the age of 84 on Friday.

Law, affectionately dubbed 'The King', spent a glittering 11 years at Old Trafford and scored 237 goals in 404 appearances, placing him third on the club's all-time list behind Wayne Rooney and Sir Bobby Charlton.

He is the only man to be immortalised with two statues at United's stadium, one on the Stretford End concourse and the other as part of the iconic United Trinity on the ground's forecourt beside fellow greats Charlton and George Best.

In 2021, Law was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

A host of former United players have acknowledged the impact he had on the club and their own careers since his passing and Van Nistelrooy joined them yesterday.

In 2023, the Dutchman, who scored 95 goals after joining for £19million in 2001, told Gary Neville on The Overlap that he used to be neighbours with Law in England.

On Saturday, Van Nistelrooy addressed Law's death for the first time in public after Leicester City's 2-0 defeat by Fulham at the King Power. During the post-match press conference, one journalist asked if they could ask a non-Foxes related question.

Smiling, Van Nistelrooy replied: 'As long as it's about Denis Law.'

He then went on to say: 'Can you imagine how lucky I was? Being his neighbour.

'I was lucky enough to have a cup of tea with him in his home, looking out the window into his back yard. Time just passed by, talking about life, football, his career, my young career - being 25 or 26. It was just lovely.

'The humble person, a guy with a statue outside of Old Trafford, he was the most humble person you'll ever meet, with the biggest heart. It was absolutely amazing.'

Van Nistelrooy added: 'I discussed some personal issues with him, ones that you have to face when you move abroad, playing for United in the public eye.

'All aspects of being a footballer for United, to be able to get things off your chest and the sense of humour that he reacted with. It was really helpful.'

A family statement confirming Law's death was released on Friday. It read: 'It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.

'We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently. We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.'

United said the club were mourning the loss of 'the King of the Stretford End'.

A statement on their website added: 'He will always be celebrated as one of the club's greatest and most beloved players.

'The ultimate goalscorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis' family and many friends.

'His memory will live on forever more.'