Kevin Keegan revealed he is battling stage 4 cancer during a recent public appearance in Newcastle. It was revealed in January that the former Magpies, Manchester City and England manager was undergoing treatment for cancer. The announcement sparked a wave of support from the football world, particularly Keegan’s former clubs, with Newcastle confirming the development by releasing a statement from the 75-year-old and his family.
Keegan appeared in good spirits in a short video ahead of his first public appearance reflecting on his career at the Tyne Theater over the weekend. At the time, Keegan revealed more information about his diagnosis, telling fans he was battling stage 4 cancer, the most serious form of cancer.
According to the Daily Mail, Mr Keegan was quoted as saying: “We were told we had a top doctor who had this new way of fighting the disease you had. It was stage four cancer. He was a Liverpool supporter, so I went to see him. I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone, if you know what I mean.”
Keegan has also enjoyed a distinguished playing career, including spells with his beloved Magpies and Liverpool, and was in top form throughout the event.
He joked about the moment the doctor who diagnosed him informed him of the amazing success rate against the disease. Keegan said jokingly. “I said, ‘That’s great! What’s your strike rate?’ He said, ’33 percent.’ ah. I thought he might say 80, maybe 90. Anyway, I’m still here…
“They said they had a top doctor who had this new way of fighting the disease you had. It was stage four cancer. He was a Liverpool supporter, so I went to see him. I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone, if you know what I mean.”
Keegan revealed in January that he had endured a “really tough time” due to his illness, which left him confined to bed at times.
But when he reflected on his career, he admitted he would not want to see his statue erected alongside those of Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer at St James’s Park.
“You have to wait until I die,” he added. “My statue is how people accept me.”
But he is hoping to visit Newcastle on match day for the first time since taking charge in 2008.
Keegan explained, “I want to say goodbye. I didn’t have the chance the last time I left the club…”
