Shocking news for the football world!
Trainer legend Louis van Gaal (70) has prostate cancer. This was announced by the Bonds coach and ex-Bayern coach on Dutch TV on Sunday.
He was diagnosed at the end of 2020, and therapy began a year later. He had had “great treatment” and was treated preferentially. Van Gaal: “I was allowed to go in and out through the back entrance. And if I went to an appointment, I was immediately allowed to move to another room.”
And further: “You also say it to friends and relatives, but that also says something about my family that they keep it secret,” said van Gaal on the show “Humberto” on RTL 4.
In August 2021, the 70-year-old was signed for the second time as coach of the Dutch national team. “During my time as national coach, I went to the hospital every night without the players knowing.”
Van Gaal continued: “You see, you don’t die from prostate cancer. Normally one dies from the underlying diseases. But it’s an aggressive form. I’ve had 25 radiation treatments – it takes a lot of management to get through life.”
Van Gaal was recently infected with the corona virus. After the test match against the DFB team last Tuesday in Amsterdam, van Gaal revealed that he had had a positive PCR test result the day before. “But the doctor told me that it was only residual symptoms of the virus that took longer to detect with a PCR test than with a rapid test.” Then he grinned and added “Don’t come too close to me!”
Van Gaal has not lost his sense of humor despite his cancer. “I have an incredible amount of willpower to keep going,” he said on Sunday, referring to his job as Bonds coach. “This group of players (with the Dutch national team, editor’s note) is a gift from old age.”
