Denis Law
I have dementia, so many friends have been through this...
FOOTBALL legend Denis Law has been diagnosed with dementia – joining a long line of ex-players to be struck down with the condition.
The former Manchester United and Scotland striker has revealed he has Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
Law, 81, said in an emotional statement: “I am at the point where I feel I want to be open about my condition...
“It is an incredibly challenging and problematic disease and I have witnessed many friends go through this.
“You hope that it won’t happen to you, even make jokes about it whilst ignoring the early signs because you don’t want it to be true.
“You get angry, frustrated, confused then worried. Worried for your family, as they will be the ones dealing with it...
“I do understand what is happening and that is why I want to address my situation now whilst I am able, because there will be days when I don’t understand... I know the road ahead will be hard, painful and ever changing and so ask for understanding as this will not be an easy journey especially for the people who love you the most.”
Law, who played from 1956 to 1974 and was nicknamed the King and the Lawman, won two league titles, the FA Cup and the European Cup at Man Utd.
United said: “He will always be one of this club’s greatest legends.
“Everybody at Manchester United sends love and best wishes to him and his family.”
Law was part of the revered United Trinity alongside the late George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton, who also has dementia. Sir Bobby, 83, is one of five of England’s 1966 World Cup winners to be struck down. Another of the 1966 heroes, Sir Geoff Hurst, said: “So sad to hear the one and only Denis Law has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.” Mirror columnist and former England striker Stan Collymore, 50, said: “Sending best wishes to Denis Law. One of the greatest players ever and one of the most humorous, warm and genuine.” Law also played for Manchester City and Huddersfield Town. Man City said: “Everyone... sends their best wishes. We are all with you.” The Scottish FA said it is saddened that Law, the country’s all-time joint top scorer with 30 goals, has dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Society said it hopes Denis’ announcement will encourage others to get the help they need.
A study in 2019 found pro footballers are three-and-a-half times more likely to die of dementia than other people of the same age range. The condition has been linked to heading the ball.
Guidelines limiting players in England to 10 “higher force headers” a week in training have been introduced this year.
But ex-England striker Chris Sutton, 48, whose dad, former Norwich player Mike died from dementia last year aged 76, said: “It’s such a shame the footballing authorities didn’t act sooner.”
German football hero Gerd Muller, 75, died on Sunday after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015.