English football legend Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer, his family confirmed in a statement. The former Newcastle and England manager, 74, was recently admitted to hospital with “continued abdominal symptoms” and further tests revealed a diagnosis of cancer.
Keegan’s family released a statement saying, “Kevin Keegan was recently hospitalized for further tests for ongoing abdominal symptoms. These investigations revealed a diagnosis of cancer, and Kevin will undergo treatment. Kevin is grateful for the intervention and continued care of his medical team. The family requests privacy at this difficult time and will not be commenting further.”
Newcastle sent a message to the iconic former player and manager, writing on social media: “Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer and will be admitted to hospital for further tests and treatment for an ongoing abdominal condition. King Kev. We are with you every step of the way. We wish you a full and speedy recovery.”
A Liverpool icon, Keegan won three Premier League titles, two UEFA Cups, one FA Cup and one European Cup during his time at Anfield and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
The Reds released a statement: “The thoughts and support of Kevin Keegan are from everyone at Liverpool FC and Forever Reds as he has been diagnosed with cancer.
“A legendary former Reds player, Keegan scored 100 goals in 323 appearances during his six years at Anfield, winning accolades with the club including three league titles, one European Cup, two UEFA Cups and one FA Cup.
“All of us at LFC and the Official Former Players Association Forever Reds send our best wishes to Kevin, his family and friends.”
Fulham, one of the clubs Keegan managed during his glittering career, wrote: “Everyone at Fulham would like to send their best wishes to Kevin. Stay well and best of luck with his recovery.”
He is the only British player in history to win the Ballon d’Or twice.
After scoring over 200 goals in his career with Liverpool, Scunthorpe United, Hamburg, Southampton, Newcastle and Blacktown City, Keegan turned to management and took his first job at Newcastle.
In his first full season, he led Newcastle to the Premier League, and the following year they finished second.
After five years at St James’ Park, Keegan joined Fulham and then England manager.
However, after losing 1-0 to Germany in the qualifying stages of the 2002 World Cup, he resigned from his position in October 2000, lasting less than a year.
He then became manager of Manchester City, where he remained for four years before resigning and returning to Newcastle to end his managerial career. His tenure lasted just eight months, but he resigned after clashing with the club’s leadership and owner Mike Ashley.
