Louis van Gaal receives wave of support from football community amid cancer diagnosis
- Planet Sport writer
- 4 April 2022
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker and countless other figures from the world of football have rallied round Dutch manager Louis van Gaal.
In an interview with Dutch television show Humberto, the 70-year-old revealed he is receiving treatment for prostate cancer.
Van Gaal was promoting a new documentary about his life and revealed his players didn't know about his cancer diagnosis.
The current Netherlands boss said: "They don't know. They see a blush on my cheeks and think, 'what a healthy (person) that is'. That is of course, not the case.
"I've been through a lot with illnesses, including with my own wife. So that's just part of life.
"(I) as a human being have probably become richer because of all those experiences. I thought that should also be in the film."
Van Gaal recently led the Netherlands to World Cup qualification in what is his third spell with the national side.
Skipper Virgil van Dijk now hopes to put on a memorable performance in Qatar, saying: "I was…in shock last night when I heard his interview. He's getting his film out next week, so I was just wondering how he would promote it a little bit and speak about his life and then obviously, that was a big shock.
"I messaged him after the interview. It definitely says a lot about him. I said to him as well, he's probably not that type of guy that needs a lot of sympathy, that's how he is.
"But I told him as well that we are definitely going to be there for him as a group whenever he needs it and hopefully we can also make it for him a World Cup to never forget."
Gary Lineker added his message of support on social media, tweeting: "Sending best wishes and hopes for a full recovery to Louis van Gaal, who announced on Dutch television tonight that he's battling prostate cancer."
Van Gaal, who managed Manchester United from 2014 to 2016, won the FA Cup with the Red Devils and also gave Marcus Rashford his debut during his tenure.
The England international said: "Earned my debut from LVG. Will forever be indebted. You can fight this. We are all behind you."
Another United player who worked under Van Gaal was Jesse Lingard. The 29-year-old tweeted: "Emotional to hear the news. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery in your battle gaffer.
"Stay strong, we all know you'll fight this with all your heart and courage!"
During his glittering career in the dugout, Van Gaal worked with such clubs as Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich. He also led Ajax to Champions League glory in 1995.
