Manchester United and Scotland great Denis Law diagnosed with dementia

The 81-year-old 'trying to be positive' after revealing he is struggling with the condition

Denis Law scored 237 goals in 404 appearances during his Manchester United career. Getty

Manchester United and Scotland football great Denis Law has been diagnosed with dementia.

The 81-year-old revealed on Thursday that he has “‘mixed dementia’, which is more than one type of dementia, "in my case, this being Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia”.

Law, whose former United great Bobby Charlton was diagnosed with the condition last year, is Scotland's joint top scorer with 30 goals in 55 appearances and won the Ballon d'Or in 1964.

The Aberdeen-born striker scored 237 goals in 404 appearances for the Red Devils and features in the United Trinity statue outside Old Trafford alongside Charlton and the late George Best.

“I am at the point where I feel I want to be open about my condition,” Law said in a statement. “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.

“I do understand what is happening and that is why I want to address my situation now while I am able, because I know there will be days when I don't understand and I hate the thought of that right now.”

Law said he would no longer be able to sign shirts or autographs but he hoped to still go and watch his beloved United.

“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 [Gunnar Solskjaer] and the club have made.

“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.”

United said in a statement: “Denis Law will always be one of this club’s greatest legends and everybody at Manchester United sends our love and best wishes to him and his family. We know our fans around the world will also rally behind him.

“We applaud Denis’ brave words and will continue to offer whatever support we can as he adapts to this challenging condition.”