Varane trains with Man Utd squad after joining from Real Madrid
Manchester United legend Denis Law has revealed he has been diagnosed with dementia in an emotional interview. The 81-year-old has opened up about how the condition has affected his daily life and the pain it has brought his family.
"I have been diagnosed with 'mixed dementia', which is more than one type of dementia, in my case this being Alzheimer's and Vascular dementia.
"This has been an extremely difficult year for everyone, and the long periods of isolation have certainly not helped.
"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 and then worried, worried for your family, as they will be the ones dealing with it. However, the time has come to tackle this head-on. Excuse the pun.
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"I recognise 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.
"I don't want people to be saddened if I forget places, people or dates because you need to remember I enjoyed all those memories and I am lucky to have experienced what I have in my life - a loving and supportive family, a great career doing what I loved - and getting paid to do it - and lifelong friends."
Dementia has been a common illness among some of the top former footballers around.
Other past players diagnosed include Gordon McQueen, Jeff Astle, Martin Peters, Nobby Stiles and Sir Bobby Charlton.
Denis Law is a bonafide Man Utd great. (Image: GETTY)
"I have good days and bad days and aim to take each day as it comes, adjusting my lifestyle accordingly," Law added.
"I know the road ahead will be hard, demanding, painful and ever-changing, and so ask for understanding and patience as this will not be an easy journey, especially for the people who love you the most.
"As a family, we have been offered support by Alzheimer's Society and have chosen to fundraise for the charity to help support its crucial work.
"The charity is also doing amazing work with the sports industry, with its Sport United Against Dementia campaign.
"This really could make the biggest difference to former players, players, and fans alike."