Former Manchester United and Scotland striker Denis Law has revealed he has been diagnosed with "mixed dementia".
The 81-year-old, who scored 237 goals for United, said in a statement that he has been diagnosed with both Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.
Law was known as The King and The Lawman by United fans and was part of the United Trinity with George Best and Bobby Charlton.
"I am at the point where I feel I want to be open about my condition," Law said in a statement.
"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.
"This has been an extremely difficult year for everyone and the long periods of isolation have certainly not helped.
"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.
"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.
"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.
A general view of the statues of former Manchester United players George Best, Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton outside the stadium ahead of the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday August 14, 2021."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, hopefully this will be a season of success and I am excited by the new signings that Ole and the club have made.
"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
"As a family, we have been offered support by Alzheimer's Society and have chosen to fundraise for the charity to help support its crucial work.
"Alzheimer's Society's services have never been in more need, used over 5.5 million times since March 2020, and are a lifeline to thousands of families who are also facing a dementia diagnosis.
"The charity is also doing amazing work with the sports industry, with its Sport United Against Dementia campaign, which I fully support.
"This really could make the biggest difference to former players, players, and fans alike."
Law was capped 55 times for Scotland and won the Ballon d'Or in 1964, while he also played for Huddersfield Town, Manchester City and Torino.
