Chris Smalling has shared a social media message supporting Louis Van Gaal, who has opened up about his fight against cancer.
The ex-Manchester United boss announced on Dutch TV last night that he’s already undergone 25 treatments for a form of aggressive prostate cancer.
“In each period during my time as manager of the National Team, I had to leave in the night to go to the hospital without the players finding it out until now. While thinking I was healthy. But, I am not,” he said.
The 70-year-old, who is currently in charge of The Netherlands, has received several messages on social media from his former clubs and players. Among them is Roma defender Chris Smalling, who worked for two seasons with the Dutch coach at Old Trafford.
The Roma defender shared a Manchester United tweet supporting their ex-boss, adding praying and heart emojis. Smalling played 84 games under Van Gaal at Manchester United, scoring six goals. He left Manchester United in 2019, joining Roma on an initial loan deal. The Serie A giants made his move permanent one year later for €15m.
🙏🏽 ❤️ https://t.co/6qUcDM07oO
— Chris Smalling (@ChrisSmalling) April 3, 2022