Since then, the Dutch football legend has revealed his diagnosis of prostate cancer and his ongoing battle with the disease over the past three years.
According to the Daily Mail, the 72-year-old recently provided a positive update on his condition, detailing his medical treatment and how he is coping with and living with the illness.
“I have been living with the disease for just over three years, with radiation, hormone injections, operations, catheters and urine bags. It’s unbelievable, but I can handle it. I have managed it, and I have been able to do it even working during the last World Cup,” he said.
Van Gaal admits that keeping himself busy helps with the process and likened his physical battle to that of being a coach.
“I even think that during the World Cup I managed it even better, because I had a goal. And with the cancer process it happens just like with the process of being a coach, you look for a goal. For me it was positive to deal with both things,” he explained.
When questioned about whether the illness has altered his perspective on life, Van Gaal responded, “Not much,” and shared how his tragic family history, which includes the loss of his first wife, has assisted him in coping.
“Look, I come from a family in which we are nine brothers. I am the smallest. My father died when I was 11 years old. He died at 53. My first wife died when she was 39. And all my brothers died too soon. I’m used to death. That’s why I know that death is a part of life, and you can deal with it,” he said.
