Former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The 70-year-old, who is currently the head coach of the Dutch national team, appeared on a TV show called Humberto in the Netherlands on Sunday while airing a new documentary about his life.
Van Gaal said he did not tell his players about his illness, adding: “They look at me with red cheeks and think, ‘What a healthy person (person) he is. Of course not.
“I have been through a lot of illness, including my own wife. So it’s just part of life.
“(I) as a human being have probably become richer because of all those experiences. I thought it should be in the picture too. “
In August 2021, Van Gaal took charge of the Netherlands for the third time in his colorful management career, before they finished third at the 2014 World Cup.
He replaces Frank de Boer after the Dutch team dropped out of the last 16 from Euro 2020 and Van Gaal will lead his country to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in November.
His team is drawn in Group A with Ecuador, Senegal and Qatar.
Prior to returning to international management, Van Gaal was in charge of Manchester United from 2014 to 2016, winning the FA Cup, ahead of his successor Jose Mourinho.
Manchester United posted a message of support on their Twitter feed saying: “Everyone at Manchester United is right behind our former manager Louis van Gaal in the fight against cancer. I am sending you strength and courage, Louis.”
He had previously won the league title with Ajax, who also led Barcelona, AZ Alcomer and Bayern Munich to the Champions League glory in 1995.
