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‘Can you imagine how lucky I was?’ says Van Nistelrooy as he opens up on being Denis Law’s neighbour in touching tribute


MANCHESTER UNITED legend Ruud van Nistelrooy paid an emotional tribute to Denis Law – who used to be his neighbour.

Law died at the age of 84 on Friday following a brave battle with Alzheimer’s for the last four years.

Ruud van Nistelrooy paid tribute to Manchester United legend Denis LawCredit: Rex
Van Nistelrooy opened up about his time being Law’s neighbour when he played at Man UtdCredit: YouTube / BBC

Tributes poured in across the sport for one of the greatest centre-forwards of all time, who amassed a staggering 237 goals in 404 appearances during an 11-year stint at United.

Van Nistelrooy, 48, joined in with the tributes with some touching words about Law while taking charge of Leicester on Saturday.

The Dutchman looked back at his time as a Man Utd player that saw him spending five years in Manchester after joining the club in 2001 from PSV Eindhoven.

And the former Real Madrid star spoke about living right next to Law, who became quite the mentor for the then popular striker.

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The ex-United caretaker manager opened up after Leicester’s 2-0 loss to Fulham at King Power Stadium on Saturday about how much he got to learn from the “humble” Scot.

Van Nistelrooy said: “Can you imagine how lucky I was? Being his neighbour.

“I was lucky enough to have a cup of tea with him in his home, looking out the window into his back yard.

“Time just passed by, talking about life, football, his career, my young career – being 25 or 26. It was just lovely.

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“The humble person, a guy with a statue outside of Old Trafford, he was the most humble person you’ll ever meet, with the biggest heart. It was absolutely amazing.

Sir Alex Ferguson joins Man Utd players past and present to honour Denis Law at Old Trafford

“I discussed some personal issues with him, ones that you have to face when you move abroad, playing for United in the public eye.

“All aspects of being a footballer for United, to be able to get things off your chest and the sense of humour that he reacted with. It was really helpful.”

Van Nistelrooy has previously discussed his time living next to Law during an interview with former team-mate Gary Neville on Sky Sports.

And Neville revealed the rest of the team didn’t know about it or the meetings the Dutch star had with Law over tea and coffee.

Van Nistelrooy said two years ago: “I went sometimes for a coffee. Talking about football, goals, strikers… It was fantastic.

“It’s my neighbour, got to have a coffee with my neighbour. It was always good to have a chat with him.”


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


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