John Toshack Denies Dementia Diagnosis
John Toshack, the former Wales and Liverpool football legend, has publicly denied reports that he has been diagnosed with dementia. Toshack, whose coaching career spanned four decades and included managing Wales and several top European clubs, addressed the claims during an interview with BBC Wales.
Earlier this week, Toshack's son, Cameron, told the Daily Mail that his father had been diagnosed with dementia. However, speaking alongside his wife Mai Angulo, Toshack, aged 77 and residing in Spain, described those reports as inaccurate and expressed surprise at the news.
"I'm going on for 80 years of age, my memory isn't what it used to be, but it's not dementia, I haven't had a diagnosis," said Toshack.
He acknowledged the natural effects of aging and mentioned a severe bout of Covid-19 he experienced but reassured that he is currently well.
"I'm not as young as I used to be and I did have a bad attack of Covid when it was going around, but thankfully I'm ok now.
"I do everything on my own, but like anyone at my age I'm not getting any younger."
Cameron Toshack, who formerly served as assistant manager at Leeds United and now coaches in Thailand, had described his father as having "good days and bad days" in his interview with the Daily Mail. John Toshack noted that he had not seen his son recently. Cameron Toshack has been contacted for comment regarding his statements.
Reflecting on His Career and Health
During the BBC Wales interview, John Toshack also lightheartedly referenced lingering injuries from his playing days.
"I've got my old football injuries which are still here, and I can't get to the far post as well now," he said.
Toshack's illustrious playing career included scoring 13 goals in 40 appearances for Wales. He also managed the national team in 1994 and again from 2004 to 2010. Beyond Wales, he managed prominent clubs such as Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, and Besiktas.
In late 2020, Toshack was seriously ill after contracting Covid-19 and pneumonia, spending two weeks on a ventilator in a Barcelona hospital. Reflecting on that experience in November 2022, he described it as frightening.
"When I think back on it now, it's frightening."
