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Manchester United and Barcelona urge Louis van Gaal to stay strong after cancer diagnosis
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal is battling prostate cancer, and his announcement sparked messages of support from former employers.
Manchester United and Barcelona sent messages of support to Louis van Gaal after the Netherlands coach revealed he is fighting prostate cancer.
Dutch veteran Van Gaal is a former boss at Old Trafford and Camp Nou, and both clubs wished him well after Sunday's announcement. It was revealed by Van Gaal on Dutch TV show Humberto that he has undergone 25 rounds of radiation treatment. The 70-year-old has continued to work and did not tell his players of his condition when the Netherlands squad got together in March for friendlies against Denmark and Germany.
Van Gaal had two spells as Barcelona head coach and won LaLiga titles in 1998 and 1999, while he guided United to the FA Cup in 2016 at the end of a two-year stint in England.
Well wishes for Van Gaal
Barcelona said: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to former Barca manager Louis van Gaal, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Stay strong, Louis, and get well soon."
United sent their best wishes, stating: "Everybody at Manchester United is fully behind our former manager, Louis van Gaal, in his battle against cancer. Sending you strength and courage, Louis"
Former England striker Gary Lineker, who played for Barcelona in the 1980s, wrote on Twitter: "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, a Champions League winner with Ajax in 1995, is due to lead the Netherlands at the World Cup later this year. He took charge of the national team for a third time after coming out of retirement last August.