Ex-Man Utd boss Van Gaal reveals he has been living with catheters and urine bags for 3 years in emotional cancer update
LOUIS VAN GAAL has revealed he has been living with catheters and urine bags for the past three years he has suffered with cancer.
The former Manchester United boss offered an update on his condition, saying he is able to cope in his battle with prostate cancer.
Van Gaal even managed the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup while suffering with the disease.
He believes that actually helped him in his fight, as it gave him a goal to work towards.
The Dutchman offered an update on his condition, telling AS: “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.”
Van Gaal, 72, also said he is used to death after his father passed away while he was just a child.
But he reacted to the bad news with a positive mindset, which he believes has helped him.
Van Gaal added: “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’.