Football legend Denis Law shared his own thoughts on what he believed led to his dementia diagnosis years before his death.
The family of the Manchester United icon confirmed he died on Friday, a little more than three years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. The late striker was 84 at the time of his death, and a statement said he “fought a tough battle, but finally he is now at peace.”
The Scot once offered his candid opinion on what he felt was the primary cause behind the development of his neurodegenerative diseases. Despite confronting his own mortality at the time, his remarks serve as a cautionary tale for current and future footballers.
In a conversation with The Telegraph, Law spoke about the condition that impacted him and many of his contemporaries, suggesting heading the football was to blame: “What else would it be? That was what caused damage to the brain. You didn’t think about it. We just thought it was normal.
“Now as time goes on, you are thinking, ‘Why should I be having this problem? ‘ When you are playing two games a week and heading the ball in games, then there are obvious dangers. I would support anything that stops this illness affecting other players.”
Ballon d’Or-winner Law was diagnosed with both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia in 2021, joining a growing list of ex-footballers affected by neurodegenerative abnormalities. His contemporaries, including Nobby Stiles, Jeff Astle and Bill Gates, have also succumbed to similar conditions in years gone by.
Players from that era were at a higher risk due to the hard leather balls they used. Despite today’s lighter, more flexible balls, the Football Association has implemented rules prohibiting under-11s from heading.
This enforcement means children under 12 will no longer be allowed to head the ball during training or matches. This change has already been implemented for all under-seven to under-nine matches in England, while the under-10 and under-11 age groups will follow suit over the next two seasons.
Law – who clinched two league titles and an FA Cup at United – was a cherished figure throughout his career and gained immense popularity at United, Manchester City and Huddersfield Town. Even in retirement, this cult figure sought to make a difference by raising awareness about what he believed was a significant issue in the sport that made him a legend.
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