Dennis Law: Manchester United and Scotland football legend reveals he has dementia | UK news

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Manchester United and Scotland player Dennis Law has revealed that he has dementia.

The Old Trafford legend has said he will no longer be able to sign items for fans but will continue to support his club and the Denis Le Legacy Trust.

In a statement, Low, 81, who has scored 237 goals for the club, said he had both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Photo: The former Manchester United player says he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia

The striker, who was known as The King and The Lawman by United fans and Denis the Menace by the team’s opponents, said he was “determined to continue watching my team, Manchester United at Old Trafford”.

“I hope this will be a successful season and I am happy with the new signings made by Ole and the club,” he added.

The former Scotland international also said he hopes to continue his involvement with the Denis Law Legacy Trust, which provides several “free access” programs for young people to participate in sports and other creative activities.

“I am at the point where I feel I want to be open about my condition,” Low said in his statement.

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“I’ve been diagnosed with mixed dementia, which is more than one type of dementia, and in my case this is Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Photo: Dennis Lowe watches the ball as he takes to the field, followed by his teammates Alex Stepney and George Best

“This has been a very difficult year for everyone, and the long periods of isolation certainly didn’t help.

“It’s an incredibly difficult and problematic disease and I’ve watched many friends go through it. You wish it didn’t happen to you, you could joke about it while ignoring the early signs because you don’t want it to be true.”

“You get angry, frustrated, confused and then worried and worried about your family, because they are the ones who are going to deal with it.

“However, it is time to deal with this matter, excuse me from the pun.

Photo: Dennis Law and Bobby Charlton during the Manchester City-Manchester United match in 1967

“I realize how my mind deteriorates and how my memory evades when I don’t want to and how that causes distress in situations beyond my control.

“I understand what’s going on and that’s why I want to address my situation now while I’m able, because I know there will be days when I don’t understand and I hate to think about it now.

“At the height of the pandemic, I said I was hoping that if one of the positives got out of it, it would make people kinder to each other, so that’s what I hope for now.

“I don’t want people to grieve if you forget places, people or dates because you need to remember that I enjoyed all those memories and I am fortunate to have experienced what I have in my life…a loving and supportive family, a career doing what I love and getting paid to do it and friends forever.

Photo: Denis Law holds the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) Medal presented to him by the Duke of Cambridge in March 2016

“I have good days and bad days and I aim to make each day as it comes to adjust my lifestyle accordingly. I hung up my soccer boots a long time ago and now it’s time to leave my autograph days behind as well so I apologize to anyone who has texted me anything but I’m just not able.

“I am trying to be positive and determined to continue watching my team, Manchester United at Old Trafford, I hope this will be a successful season and I am excited about the new signings made by Ole and the club.”

“I know the road ahead will be arduous, demanding, painful and ever-changing, so I ask for understanding and patience as this will not be an easy journey especially for the people who love you the most,” he added.

Photo: A statue of Dennis Law stands between a statue of George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton outside Manchester United Stadium

He said his daughter, Dee, was completing a Thames Bridges 9/11 trip to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association and urged people to donate.

“As a family, we have received support from the Alzheimer’s Association and have chosen to raise funds for the charity to help support its critical work,” said Mr. Low.

“Alzheimer’s Association services have never been needed more, having been used more than 5.5 million times since March 2020, and they are a lifeline for thousands of families also facing a diagnosis of dementia.

“The charity is also doing an amazing job with the sports industry, through its Sport United Against Dementia campaign, which I fully support. This really can make a huge difference for players, former players and fans alike.”

Kate Lee, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, said: “We have extended support to Dennis Law and the entire family. We are so grateful to the family for choosing to raise vital funds for us and hope Dennis’s courage moving forward will encourage many others to do so. Seek the help they need, and we Very grateful to her.

We’ve seen far too many champion sports affected by this condition, which is why our United Sports campaign against dementia is needed now more than ever. It has never been more important to fund critical research and our vital support services and ensure that current, former and current players, as well as fans, know our services here and can get the personalized support our dementia patients deserve.”

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