Louis van Gaal has revealed he will find out whether his recent cancer operation has been successful in treating his condition when he goes for a check-up.
The former Manchester United manager shocked world football when he revealed he was battling prostate cancer in the build-up to last year’s Qatar World Cup.
He explained in a live television appearance that 25 radiation treatments had been carried out to treat the aggressive form of prostate cancer, and another medical procedure is hoping to give Van Gaal good news.
The 72-year-old explained the unfortunate physical toll of the disease and subsequent medical treatments means he has required help when going to the toilet and insisted it would be a ‘miracle’ if he can become independent again.
Explaining that he will find out whether recent surgery was a success when he returns to hospital on Tuesday, September 19, Van Gaal said: ‘How am I doing? Well, I had surgery two or three weeks ago.
Louis Van Gaal (left) has provided an update on his ongoing cancer battle following a recent operation
Van Gaal (right) led the Netherlands to last year’s World Cup while battling prostate cancer
‘They have tried to put everything in order, details of which I won’t tire you with further, but now we have to wait and see.
‘On September 19, I have to go back again and then everything will be decided – and then a miracle could take place that I am able to go the toilet by myself again.’
Van Gaal stepped down as Netherlands head coach for the second time of his career after last year’s World Cup.
Eventual winners Argentina eliminated them in an enthralling quarter-final that was decided on penalties. Ronald Koeman has since taken charge of the national team.
However, Van Gaal caused recent controversy when he suggested the World Cup was rigged to provide Lionel Messi with a fairytale Middle East moment.
He stated: ‘I don’t really want to say much about it. When you see how Argentina gets the goals and how we get the goals, and how some Argentina players overstepped the mark and were not punished, then I think it all premeditated game.’
Van Gaal explained he will know whether recent surgery was a success on September, 19
Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk rejected those claims and stated himself and the team ‘doesn’t share the same opinion’ as their former manager.
Van Gaal’s cancer is aggressive and previously kept his diagnosis hidden from players as he strived to lead them to the World Cup.
His most recent role in club management came in the Premier League, when he was handed the United job in 2014.
He lasted two years at Old Trafford, and won the FA Cup in his final game at the helm as his side beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Wembley.