Louis van Gaal reveals 25 radiation treatments for prostate cancer were successful

Netherlands international manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed the 25 radiation treatments he has received to treat his prostate cancer have "done [their] job".

The former Manchester United and Barcelona boss shared details of his diagnosis during a live TV appearance in early April. United themselves sent a message of support, wishing the Dutchman "strength and courage", while similar well-wishes followed from a number of others who have played under the well-travelled boss.

Van Gaal revealed he had initially kept the diagnosis from his players as he embarked on hospital treatment, saying he was "treated wonderfully" when attending hospital appointments, but eventually felt the need to make his health situation public. The 70-year-old, who will leave his current post after the World Cup, has now confirmed the success of the multiple treatments he has undergone in an effort to beat what he called a "particularly aggressive" form of prostate cancer.

"I've been through everything," Van Gaal told ANP (via ESPN ). "I had 25 radiation treatments. Then I had to wait five or six months to see if it had done its job. It did."

The update comes after he explained why he was initially keen to keep his diagnosis private. "I think you don't tell people you work with like that because it might influence their choices, their decisiveness," he said, via Voetbal International.

Van Gaal is currently in his third spell in charge of the Dutch national side. He famously missed out on qualification for the 2002 World Cup, but then led his country to the semi-finals of the 2014 tournament, losing to Argentina in a penalty shoot-out.

He also got the Oranje over the line in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, having taken over from Frank