Dutch legend Willem van Hanegem diagnosed with prostate cancer
Feyenoord legend, who took his team to a 1970 European Cup win over Celtic at San Siro, vows to live to 'around 100'
DUTCH football legend Willem van Hanegem has been diagnosed with prostate cancer but has vowed to live to "around the age of 100".
Former Dutch international player van Hanegem, 73, went public today about his diagnosis and told local media that next week he will start a series of 35 radiation sessions over seven weeks.
The Feyenoord legend, who took his team to a 1970 European Cup win over Celtic in Milan's San Siro stadium, said he did not feel sick at all and that everything will turn out fine.
Van Hanegem said: "Every year I have a check-up and this time they found some increased blood values, possibly prostate cancer."
When the doctor confirmed the diagnosis after some tests, van Hanegem said he was "shocked", especially for those close to him.
Van Hanegem said: "They were really shocked. They told me: 'You are walking around in such great health. Why do you get it?'
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"But after a few nights of sleep I found everything back to normal again. Then I just went to play some golf."
Van Hanegem, who is being treated at a hospital in Hoofddorp just south of Amsterdam, said he has a cordial relationship with his doctors with whom he occasionally cracks a few jokes and talks about football.
Van Hanegem said: "We talked for a very long time, until someone knocked the door: Mister van Hanegem, you still have to get a scan!"
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According to the prolific midfielder who was capped 52 times for the Dutch national side and scored six, the doctors told him there is "an almost 100 percent chance" that it will turn out alright.
The former football player and manager vowed to continue his work as a columnist and football pundit and to continue playing golf as a pastime.
Van Hanegem said: "I will do whatever I always did before. Only now something [the radiation treatment] will come in between.
"I don't want to act all tough, as of course I was massively shocked. My prognosis is however good. Lots of people have more bad luck than I have.
"Have you seen once how busy it is in those hospitals? Why would I have to feel down?"
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According to van Hanegem, his golf buddies assured him that he will easily reach the age of 100.
Van Hanegem said: "I think 100 is a bit too much. But just around 100, is fine. Then I have nothing to complain."