Netherlands manager Van Gaal reveals he has prostate cancer

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) – Netherlands national soccer team coach Louis van Gaal has revealed that he is being treated for an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

The Dutch manager told Sunday night a local talk show that the team did not know about his diagnosis and he plans to lead them in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in November.

"Prostate cancer does not kill you, at least not in ninety percent of the cases. It is usually other underlying diseases that kill you," Van Gaal said. "But I had a pretty aggressive form, got irradiated 25 times. Then you have a lot of management to do, and then go through life."

In a support message for its former manager, English club Manchester United said on Twitter: "Everybody at Manchester United is fully behind our former manager, Louis van Gaal, in his battle against cancer. Sending you strength and courage, Louis."

Van Gaal, 70, won the UEFA Champions League title in 1995, the UEFA Cup (named UEFA Europa League since 2009) title in 1992, the Intercontinental Cup title in 2016 – all three with Ajax.

He also claimed two consecutive Spanish La Liga titles in 1998 and 1999 with Barcelona, the German Bundesliga title in 2010 with Bayern Munich, and the English FA Cup title in 2015 with Manchester United throughout his successful career.

Van Gaal has been leading the Netherlands since August 2021.