Manchester United legend, Denis Law has been diagnosed with dementia less than a year after another legend of the club, Sir Bobby Charlton was diagnosed with the health condition.
According to an open-source definition, dementia is a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and judgment.
Earlier today, August 19, Denis Law who won the 1964 Ballon d’Or, confirmed that he has Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. The 81-year-old Scottish football icon who lived most of his life in Manchester called for more understanding and patience over his health condition.
He said: “This will not be an easy journey especially for the people who love you the most.
“I know the road ahead will be hard, demanding, painful and ever-changing and so ask for understanding and patience.
“I recognize how my brain is deteriorating and how my memory evades me when I don’t want it to and how this causes me distress in situations that are beyond my control.
“I do understand what is happening and that is why I want to address my situation now whilst I am able because I know there will be days when I don’t understand and I hate the thought of that right now.”
Dementia won’t stop Denis Law from watching Premier League games
The great Law as he is fondly called retired from active football in 1974 but has always been active in the game off the pitch, especially as a football analyst.
He played most parts of his football career in the Premier League especially at Manchester City and Manchester United between 1960 and 1974.
Everyone at Manchester City sends their thoughts and best wishes to Denis Law at this difficult time. We are all with you. 💙
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 19, 2021
However, it was at Manchester United he enjoyed the most success in the history of the game. For instance, Denis Law won the 1964 Ballon d’Or while playing for United.
It was also at the club he won all his club honors including two football league first division titles, one FA Cup title, two Charity Shield, and one European Cup.
While stressing that he would continue to remain positive and continue to enjoy watching Premier League games, Denis Law said: “I have good days and bad days and aim to take each day as it comes adjusting my lifestyle accordingly”.
Everybody is with you in this battle, Denis.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 19, 2021
We are in admiration of your openness, your bravery and your humility to be open about your dementia diagnosis ❤️#MUFC
Law and his family
Since Denis Law retired from active football, he has worked as a football pundit on various media outlets in the United Kingdom.
He has been living with his wife, Diana in Manchester. They have been together since they were teenagers.
Denis Law and Diana got married in December 1962 while they both worked around the city of Manchester.
Afterward, they gave birth to five children – daughter, also called Diana; sons: Gary, Andrew, Robert, and Iain. As at the time of publishing this report, Denis Law and his wife still live in the city of Manchester.
404 games
— UnitedReds (@UnitedRedscom) August 19, 2021
237 goals
6 trophies
Denis Law, we're all with you Legend and your legacy will always be remembered at #mufc ❤ pic.twitter.com/dYMBjynslQ
