Speaking publicly for the first time since 11/4/2022, Van Gaal discussed his health on RTL on Tuesday. "Two years ago, I had several operations. Things were very bad," he said. "But now I have the disease under control. I get checked every few months. Things are going well and I'm getting healthier."
The former Manchester United manager added that the cancer has not spread. "I'm 73 and I still look like this, so that's pretty good, right?" he said with a laugh.
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Coach Louis van Gaal during a press conference at the Doha press center, Qatar, on 8/12/2022, before the World Cup quarter-final match between the Netherlands and Argentina. Photo: Reuters |
Coach Louis van Gaal during a press conference at the Doha press center, Qatar, on 8/12/2022, before the World Cup quarter-final match between the Netherlands and Argentina. Photo: Reuters
Recalling the difficult time two years ago, Van Gaal said he experienced bowel issues. "I live a clean life, but during that time I couldn't help it," he said. "I had to wear diapers in public. I even wet myself while presenting a trophy at the Dutch second division. No one said anything, but I was very embarrassed. I wore dark trousers so it wouldn't be too noticeable. Because it's not good to show it. But it's over now."
Van Gaal revealed he was battling cancer while coaching the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup, his final tournament as a manager. When asked about his future in football, Van Gaal said he has received many offers from clubs in the past two years. However, he won't accept any more club positions because he doesn't want to work every day.
"Coaching a national team only requires working eight times a year," he added. "But which team wants a 73-year-old coach with prostate cancer? Maybe Curacao or similar teams. But I only want to coach teams like England or Germany."
As a player, Van Gaal was a midfielder for Dutch clubs, but never played for the national team. His managerial career was more successful, with clubs like Ajax, Barcelona, AZ, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and the Dutch national team. He has won 20 titles in his career, including the 1995 Champions League with Ajax's golden generation.
Hoang An (according to VI, AD)
