Former Man United manager Louis van Gaal opens up on cancer diagnosis with tear-jerking message

Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed how his devastating cancer diagnosis changed his life - but insisted he is not scared of dying.

The 72-year-old, who won the FA Cup during his two-year spell at Old Trafford, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2020 and later revealed he had undergone 25 sessions of radiotherapy while overseeing Holland's qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Nearly four years on from his diagnosis, Van Gaal, who has also managed Barcelona, Ajax and Bayern Munich during a glittering managerial career, has opened up on the impact the disease has had on his life.

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"I have always looked very young, that is the reason for my good appearance," joked Van Gaal, speaking to AS. "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."

But despite his diagnosis that shocked the footballing world when he made it public in 2022, the former United boss says he is not scared of dying due to the experiences of losing his father and other family members during his earlier years.

"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," added the 72-year-old. "On the other hand, 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.'"

Asked if he would ever return to the dugout, Van Gaal responded: "You never know, I am always positive!"