Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has announced that he is receiving treatment for prostate cancer.
Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, on Sunday, confirmed he is receiving treatment for prostate cancer. The 70-year-old Dutchman, currently in charge of the Netherlands national team, made the announcement on Dutch TV programme Humberto and said he had kept the news from his side during the recent international break.
"I didn't want to tell it to my players because it could have influenced their performances," the ex-Manchester United boss added.
Everybody at Manchester United is fully behind our former manager, Louis van Gaal, in his battle against cancer.
Sending you strength and courage, Louis ❤️ pic.twitter.com/axcB7mV5To
Having led the Netherlands to third place in the 2014 World Cup, van Gaal is now in his third spell as the team's head coach and has led them to the Qatar World Cup 2022 as well. Netherlands have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Qatar, Africa Cup of Nation champions Senegal and Ecuador.
"In each period during my time as manager of the national team, I had to leave in the night to go to the hospital without the players finding it out until now. While thinking I was healthy, but.. I am not," the Dutchman added.
In a two-year spell at Manchester United, Van Gaal led the Red Devils to FA Cup success in 2016 before he was replaced by Jose Mourinho. The veteran coach has also won league titles with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, AZ Alkmaar and Ajax, where he led the Dutch side to Champions League glory in 1995.
The victory came a year after Van Gaal's first wife, Fernanda Obbes, passed away after she was diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer.
Speaking in an interview to promote a new film about his life, Van Gaal added, "I've been through a lot with illnesses, including with my own wife. So that's just part of life. [I] as a human being have probably become richer because of all those experiences."
Following this news, Manchester United, football legends, pundits and fans took to Twitter to wish their former manager a speedy recovery. Here's a look at some of the reactions:
Sending best wishes and hopes for a full recovery to Louis Van Gaal, who announced on Dutch television tonight that he’s battling prostate cancer. 🙌🏻
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker)On behalf of the European football community, we send our very best wishes to Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, who has announced he is battling prostate cancer.
❤️ We're all with you, Louis. pic.twitter.com/i71UqYNgur
Our thoughts and prayers go out to former Barça manager Louis van Gaal, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Stay strong, Louis, and get well soon. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/uE5SzstOHR
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona)Our thoughts are with Louis van Gaal, and those close to him, as he has announced he's suffering from cancer.
Keep fighting, Louis, you've got this! ❤ pic.twitter.com/G9rwQCtwV2
Such a sad news to learn that Louis van Gaal is suffering from cancer, an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
Still managing to give his hilarious pressers and interviews while keeping the terrible news away from his players. SO HEART-BREAKING. 💔
Wishing him a full recovery. pic.twitter.com/IjsyHYEPbb
Sending our love and support to Louis van Gaal tonight, following the Netherlands national team manager's announcement that he is battling prostate cancer. 🙏❤️
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra)My night has been ruined... Van Gaal is one of my heroes and hearing what he is going through breaks my heart.
I'm not sure I can sleep well tonight but from the bottom of my heart, i truly hope you'll get well soon legend and beat that cancer. ❤️
Don't give up on us now. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2ZEhm1PgE4
Our thoughts are with Van Gaal and his family through these hard times.
We want to wish Louis all the best in his fight against the disease, and hope he makes a full recovery. ❤ pic.twitter.com/Cs4FDDf4sm
Sad news to hear about former manager Louis Van Gaal. We are all wishing you a speedy recovery.
— Josh. 🇾🇪🔰 (@Retro_Utd)Hoping Louis van Gaal recovers and continues to have a fulfilling life https://t.co/ALYRLJm8PV
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst)Louis van Gaal has announced that he has been diagnosed with prostrate cancer and that he is receiving treatment for it. This is horrible news to hear, wishing him a speedy and healthy recovery!❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/fgFre1q4Ae
— WHF!🇾🇪 (@UtdWesleyy)Just seeing the shit news now about Louis Van Gaal having cancer. 😭
He will beat it and Van Gaal's Army are right behind him all the way. 👊🙏❤ pic.twitter.com/yCEO787ttV
Our hearts are with Loius Van Gaal as he battles prostate cancer. God will come to his rescue even though he called us a commercial club. Be strong LVG, You will bounce back soon!!!! 😍😍 pic.twitter.com/ekNwj5Fdsb
— #OLAthrives ❤️🇳🇬🇺🇸🏴❤️😍 (@trendwithola)Ah man, that's just heartbreaking news about Louis Van Gaal, a personal favourite of mine in the impression department but more importantly a legendary coach, really hoping he pulls through this horrible ordeal, I fucking hate cancer with a passion. 😔💔
— Al Foran (@ImpressionistAL)Dutch head coach Louis Vàn Gaal has anmounced that he has been receiving treatment for an 'aggressive' form of prostate cancer.
May he get well soon. pic.twitter.com/x9I2RYo9eF
Louis van Gaal’s one of a kind, hoping for a speedy recovery.
— Sam Homewood (@SamHomewood)