FORMER England manager Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer.
The 74-year-old football legend was recently admitted to hospital after suffering with ongoing abdominal symptoms.
The Liverpool icon is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all timeCredit: Getty
Keegan was prolific in front of goal as a Newcastle player, scoring 49 league goals in just two seasonsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
His family have now confirmed the Liverpool icon was diagnosed with cancer and will be receiving treatment.
“Kevin Keegan was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms,” a statement read.
“These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.
“Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care.
“During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment.”
A Newcastle United spokesperson added: “Our former player & manager, Kevin Keegan will undergo treatment after being diagnosed with cancer having been admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms.
“King Kev. We’re with you every step of the way. Hoping for a full and speedy recovery.”
The announcement comes as Newcastle take on Leeds United at St James’ Park this evening.
And heartfelt messages of support have since flooded in for Kevin.
Former Newcastle and England footballer Alan Shearer shared the announcement on X with a prayer sign.
And an England football club spokesperson penned on social media: “Sending our best wishes. We’re all with you, Kevin.”
Liverpool FC added: “The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC and Forever Reds are with Kevin Keegan after he was diagnosed with cancer.”
Kevin Keegan’s former team-mate and friend John Anderson told one reporter at St James’ Park this evening his reaction was one of shock.
“It’s not the news you were expecting to hear and I’m sure every Newcastle United fan sends him all their love and best wishes,” he said.
“Not only did he resurrect this club, he did it twice. Once as a player in the 80s and then when he came back as a manager. I’m sure everyone in the north east and every football fan sends him all their love and best wishes.”
He added: “It’s always a special night under the lights here at St James’ but with the news that’s just broke about Kevin, I think there will be even more of a special atmosphere against Leeds United tonight.”
A spokesperson for Manchester City also wrote on X: “Sending our strength and love to Kevin and his family at this time.”
The Liverpool icon is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
He has won three First Division Championships, two UEFA Cups, one FA Cup and a European Cup in his playing career at Liverpool, and also won the Ballon d’Or twice – the only Englishman to ever achieve this.
As a manager, he is famous for his “I would love it if we beat them” rant at Sir Alex Ferguson as his Newcastle side threw away a 13-point lead and lost the Premier League title to Man Utd in 1996.
The former England boss also spent two seasons on Tyneside as a player before so nearly landing the Magpies’ first league title since 1927 as manager in 1996.
Keegan, who scored 49 goals in 85 appearances for the club as a player, took them from the brink of relegation to the third tier to the Prem in just two seasons.
He then went on to lead the club to two consecutive second place finishes and a Uefa Cup quarter final, almost beating Manchester United to the title in 1996.
Keegan then took on managing England manager as the full-time replacement for Glenn Hoddle in 1999.
Keegan’s teams included legendary players such as Alan Shearer as captain, David Beckham, Sol Campbell, Gary Neville and David Seaman.
He also handed debuts to Tim Sherwood and Ray Parlour.
Keegan resigned from the role in October 2000 after losing to Germany in their first 2002 World Cup qualifier.
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Keegan scored 204 goals in 592 appearances in his club career – plus 21 goals in 63 games for the England national team.
The dad-of-two and devoted grandad was being supported by his Jean, his wife of 51 years and close family.
The Liverpool icon is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all timeCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Keegan after an England v Germany game at WembleyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Kevin Keegan of Hamburg in action during the Bundesliga match between Hamburger SV and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Volkspark stadium on May 19, 1979Credit: Getty
