Denis Law: Scotland and Manchester United legend reveals battle with dementia

Manchester United and Scotland legend Denis Law has revealed he’s been diagnosed with "mixed dementia".

Scotland legend Denis Law at Hampden Park in 2015. Picture: SNS

The 81-year-old, who is the national team’s joint all-time goalscorer with 30 goals, opened up on his battle with the illness in a statement.

He said: "I am at the point where I feel I want to be open about my condition.

"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.

Along with Kenny Dalglish, Denis Law is Scotland's all-time greatest ever goalscorer. Picture: SNS

"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.

"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.

Denis Law is a Manchester United legend with 237 goals in 404 appearances. Picture: AllsportUK/Allsport

"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.

"In the height of the pandemic I said I hoped that if one positive was to come out of it, it would be that it would make people kinder to each other, so that's what I am hoping for 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.

"I have good days and bad days and aim to take each day as it comes adjusting my lifestyle accordingly.

"I hung up my football boots a long time ago and now it's time to put my signing days behind me too, so apologies to anyone who has sent me anything but I am just not able.

"I am trying to be positive and determined to continue watching my club, Manchester United at Old Trafford.

"Also where possible I would like to continue my involvement with the 'Denis Law Legacy Trust', the work the staff and volunteers do in the community is amazing and it makes a real difference.

"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.

"My daughter, Di, is completing 'The Thames Bridges Trek' on the 11th September to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society so if you can please donate at www.justgiving.com/thelawman.”

The Aberdeen-born striker made his breakthrough at Huddersfield, then had spells with Manchester City and Torino before heading to Manchester United in 1962.

Law scored an incredible 237 goals in 404 appearances at Old Trafford before ending his career across town with City.

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