Denis Lawemblematic figure of the offensive of Manchester United during the 1960s and 1970s, left this world on Friday at the age of 84. In 2021, he shared with the public that he had Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Alongside George Best et Bobby Charltonit formed the famous Holy Trinity. Law was remembered not only as the greatest Scottish player of all time, but also as the only one to have won the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
Denis Law, the “King” of Manchester
Known under the nickname “The King” long before the arrival of Eric Cantona, Denis Law began his Football career with Manchester City between 1959 and 1961. However, it was under the leadership of Bill Shankly, a future legend of Liverpool, that this 17-year-old prodigy took his first steps at Huddersfield.
In 1961, Law flew to Italy, joining Torino, but his stay there was brief. He soon returned to England to begin an eleven-year relationship with Manchester United, a club in the process of rebuilding under the management of Matt Busby, following the tragic Munich air crash in 1958.
Alongside Best and Charlton, Denis Law became the symbol of Manchester United’s revival. Best was known for his dark hair and his reputation as a talented sex symbol, while Law, with his blond rocker hair, was a formidable attacker. Charlton, for his part, with his receding hairline, embodied leadership and was a survivor of Munich. Together they form a legendary trio who are immortalized in a statue at Old Trafford.
Manchester United have expressed their deep sadness at the news of the death of Denis Law, described as the “King of Stretford End”, at the age of 84.
Putting on the red jersey was synonymous with many successes for this child from a modest background in Aberdeen. He won an English Cup in 1963, had the honor of receiving the Ballon d’Or in 1964, won two league titles in 1965 and 1967 and lifted the Champion Clubs’ Cup in 1968. Unfortunately, he was unable to participate in the final against Benfica due to a knee injury.
Blessed with remarkable speed, a talent for anticipation, impeccable finishing and exceptional heading, Law scored 237 goals in his 404 appearances, which placed him third among the top scorers in Manchester United, following Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton.
In 1973, the striker returned to Manchester City for one final season. He scored his last goal on April 28, 1974 against Manchester United, who were already assured of relegation regardless of his goal.
-Denis Law’s career ended with the 1974 World Cup, where he played only one match. Of his 55 caps, he scored 30 goals and shared the title of Scotland’s top scorer with Kenny Dalglish.
In 2009, Alex Ferguson described Law as “having embodied everything a Scot is capable of: boldness, courage and style.” »
The summer of 2021 was marked by the emotional announcement from Denis Law, referred to as “one of the club’s greatest legends”, regarding his illness.
He said: “I want to be transparent about my current state of health. I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease as well as vascular dementia. »
The former Ballon d’Or shared: “It is a very difficult illness and I have seen many friends suffer from it. We always hope to escape it, even joking at the beginning. But sooner or later, reality catches up with us. »
He concludes with emotion: “I don’t want people to be sad if I don’t remember places, people or events because I have enjoyed these memories and I consider myself lucky to have experienced what I lived. »
