Ruud van Nistelrooy has paid an emotional tribute to Manchester United legend Denis Law following his tragic death at the age of 84 on Friday.
Affectionately known as 'The King', Law spent 11 brilliant years at Old Trafford, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances, placing him third on the club's all-time list behind Wayne Rooney and Sir Bobby Charlton.
He is the only man to be immortalized with two statues at the United stadium, one in the Stretford End concourse and the other as part of the iconic United Trinity on the forecourt alongside fellow greats Charlton and George Best.
In 2021, Law was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
A host of former United players have recognized the impact he has had on the club and their own careers since his death, and Van Nistelrooy joined them yesterday.
In 2023, the Dutchman, who scored 95 goals after joining for £19 million in 2001, told Gary Neville on The Overlap that he was neighbors with Law in England.
On Saturday, Van Nistelrooy spoke publicly for the first time about Law's death after Leicester City's 2-0 defeat to Fulham at King Power. During the post-match press conference, a journalist asked if they could ask a non-Foxes related question.
Smiling, Van Nistelrooy replied: 'As long as it's about Denis Law.'
Then he said, “Can you imagine how lucky I was? Being his neighbor.
'I was lucky enough to be able to have a cup of tea at his house, looking out the window at his back garden. Time just passed, talking about life, football, his career, my young career – when I was 25 or 26. It was simply delicious.
'The humble person, a man with a statue outside Old Trafford, he was the most humble person you will ever meet, with the biggest heart. It was absolutely amazing.'
Van Nistelrooy added: 'I discussed some personal issues with him, issues you face when you move abroad and play for United in the public eye.
“All the aspects of being a footballer at United, being able to express things and the sense of humor he responded with. It was really helpful.”
A family statement confirming Law's death was released on Friday. It read: 'It is with heavy hearts that we have to tell you that our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He has fought a hard battle, but now he is finally at peace.
'We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to his welfare and care, in the past and much more recently. We know how many people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made a difference. Thank you.'
United said the club mourned the loss of 'the King of Stretford End'.
A statement on their website added: 'He will always be celebrated as one of the club's greatest and most loved players.
'The ultimate goalscorer, his flair, spirit and love of the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis' family and many friends.
“His memory will live on forever.”
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