Louis van Gaal, the former Manchester United coach, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
On Sunday, the 70-year-old, who is presently the head coach of the Dutch national team, made the remark while promoting a new documentary about his life on the Dutch TV show Humberto.
Van Gaal said he had not told his players about his illness, adding: “They see me 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 took charge of the Netherlands for the third time in his long managerial career in August 2021, after leading them to third place in the 2014 World Cup.
Van Gaal will lead the Netherlands to the 2022 Qatar World Cup in November, replacing Frank de Boer after the Dutch team was knocked out of Euro 2020 in the last-16.
Everybody at Manchester United is fully behind our former manager, Louis van Gaal, in his battle against cancer.
Sending you strength and courage, Louis ❤️ pic.twitter.com/axcB7mV5To
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 3, 2022