Louis van Gaal hugs young journalist after being touched by his 'question' in press conference

Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal hugged a young journalist after being touched by his words in a press conference.

The 71-year-old was speaking to the media after of his side's second World Cup clash against Ecuador on Friday but ended up being completely taken aback by one 'question'.

Van Gaal has had a whole lot of run-ins with the media over the years but on this occasion, he was complimented by a reporter who only wanted to tell him he had been a fan since the age of three.

The former Manchester United and Barcelona boss said it was "very sweet" from the journalist and said he wanted to embrace him after the presser.

"I am a young journalist who has just started," he told Van Gaal.

"I don't have any question for you, it is just the opportunity to tell you how I am a fan of you since three years old."

In response, Van Gaal told the journalist: "I want to give you a big hug. Because I like that you say this and I mean it seriously. That does not happen often.

"So we'll give each other a big hug afterwards."

Van Gaal kept his word and as soon as the media conference had wrapped up, he went over to the journalist and shared a wonderful embrace.

• I am a young journalist. I don't have a question for you. I just want to tell you I am a big fan of you.

Van Gaal: "I don't hear this a lot, this is very sweet. I want to give you a hug. Later on you and I will be hugging." pic.twitter.com/KQkH1MIyXf

— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) November 24, 2022

A young journalist didn't want to ask a question to Louis van Gaal, he just wanted to say to him that he is a big fan. Louis van Gaal responded that they will start hugging after the press conference.

And so they did. pic.twitter.com/gON0afmGhZ

— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) November 24, 2022

Van Gaal, managing the Dutch national side for the third time, led the Netherlands to a 2-0 win in their opening game against Senegal on Monday.

Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen both struck late on to get off to a winning start.

Van Gaal is one of the game's great personalities and had fans in stitches earlier this week when he invited his wife to come to his hotel room to "get laid".

He was speaking to his other half, Truus, after a light training session when he made the cheeky remark.

Laughing after he said it, he commented: "But you can come to the hotel. Just to my room. To get laid."

Earlier this year Van Gaal revealed he was suffering from prostate cancer before confirming the treatment he underwent was successful.

A World Cup win would cap off quite the last dance for Van Gaal, who started his managerial career in 1991.