- In 2022, Louis van Gaal disclosed his cancer diagnosis after keeping it private for some time.
- At 72, he has undergone regular radiation treatments and has utilized urine bags.
- Despite his challenges, he maintained a hopeful outlook while updating on his health status.
Louis van Gaal has shared a hopeful update regarding his battle with prostate cancer, also mentioning that he received an offer from a prominent European club to become their manager.
At 72, Van Gaal resigned as head coach of the Netherlands national team after the 2022 World Cup, where he publicly revealed his unexpected diagnosis.
The ex-coach of Ajax, Barcelona, and Manchester United explained he was being treated for an aggressive cancer type, which he had kept hidden from his players.
Even though he needs regular radiation therapy and has required urine bags, the Dutch manager expressed optimism during a recent television appearance.
When speaking to RTL, Van Gaal stated: ‘How is my health? I’m doing well.’
Louis van Gaal has provided a positive update on his fight with aggressive prostate cancer
Van Gaal required radiation therapy and urine bags (pictured: Van Gaal and his wife, Truus)
The 72-year-old was questioned on his condition during a recent TV appearance on RTL
‘After three years of receiving radiation therapy, dealing with kidney infections, and having prostate surgery, I can finally manage it. I can now urinate naturally again, which is significant.’
He also humorously added: ‘However, I can’t have sexual relations anymore, and that poses a problem.’
Van Gaal disclosed that Bayern Munich had reached out to him about the managerial position before they ultimately opted for Vincent Kompany.
He remarked, ‘Bayern Munich asked me to become their manager,’ expressing his surprise.
The club had considered various candidates and dealt with several rejections before settling on Kompany.
Notably, Xabi Alonso, Ralf Rangnick, Julian Nagelsmann, and Roger Schmidt are all believed to have turned down the role following Thomas Tuchel’s departure at the end of last season.
Van Gaal revealed he was approached to become Bayern Munich’s head coach this year
He took charge of Manchester United between 2014 and 2016 and won the FA Cup (above)
Van Gaal stepped down from his role as Netherlands head coach in 2022 to focus on his battle
Between 2009 and 2011, Van Gaal managed Bayern, securing the Bundesliga title, DFB-Pokal, and DFL-Supercup while finishing as a Champions League runner-up.
He also led Manchester United from 2014 to 2016, clinching the FA Cup in his final season before being dismissed unceremoniously.
After a five-year hiatus, Van Gaal returned to coach the Netherlands in 2021.
In a past interview, reflecting on how his cancer diagnosis influenced his perspective, Van Gaal stated: ‘Not significantly. I grew up in a family with nine brothers, and I’m the youngest. My father died at 53, and I lost my first wife at 39, so I have faced death early on.’
He continued, ‘When I received my diagnosis, I thought, ‘Well, it’s bad news, but I must take action.’ Everyone reacts differently, so I believe in being true to oneself.’
