Van Gaal Reveals Battle With Prostate Cancer

Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that he has a very “aggressive” form of prostate cancer.

Van Gaal also revealed that he has had irradiation treatment 25 times already.

The former Manchester United manager made the announcement on Dutch TV show Humberto on Sunday. He revealed that he hid his illness from the national team squad as he didn’t want it to affect them.

“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,” he said.

“I think you don’t tell people you work with like that because it might influence their choices, their decisions. So I thought they shouldn’t know.

“You don’t die from prostate cancer, at least not in 90 per cent of the cases.

“It is usually other underlying diseases that kill you. But I had a pretty aggressive form, got irradiated 25 times. Then you have a lot of management to do in order to go through life.”

Recommended Articles:

• “Don’t Go To Man United” – Van Gaal Advises Ten Hag
• Laporte Surpasses Drogba, Vidic With Premier League Record
• Ilkay Gundogan Overtakes Ozil In Premier League Record
• Juventus Preparing Mammoth Deal For Salah Following Liverpool Contract Stall

The 70-year-old took over as Netherlands national team coach for a third time when he replaced Frank de Boer last year. Since then, he has successfully guided the Oranje to a 2022 World Cup spot in Qatar having finished as group winners.

“I had preferential treatment in the hospital,” he added.

“I was allowed in through the back door when I went to an appointment and was immediately pushed into another room.

“I have been treated wonderfully. Of course, you tell your friends and relatives about it. The fact that nothing has come out [in the media] yet also says something about my environment. That’s great.”

Enjoyed the article? Share with others as well. Stay in the know, follow us on Twitter @punditgist.