Manchester United and Scotland legend Denis Law has been diagnosed with mixed dementia.
Law, 81, said he wants to be open about his condition and address the situation before his health deteriorates.
“It is an incredibly challenging and problematic disease and I have witnessed many friends go through this,” said Law, who was diagnosed with both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
“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. 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.”
Law’s diagnosis comes a year after his former Manchester United team-mate Sir Bobby Charlton was also diagnosed with dementia. The pair make up two-thirds of the United Trinity statue overlooking Old Trafford along with fellow great George Best.
