Kevin Keegan is set to make his first public appearance since undergoing cancer treatment in just a few weeks. Keegan’s family revealed in January that he had been diagnosed with cancer after experiencing “abdominal symptoms”.
The former Newcastle and Liverpool legend, 75, has received messages of support from across the football world and encouraging news about his recovery continues. Sky Sports presenter Pete Graves confirmed Keegan was feeling “much better” and was expected to greet supporters at an event in Newcastle next month.
The audience with Kevin Keegan will take place at the Tyne Theater on Saturday 31st May and Mr Greaves, who is organizing the occasion, said: ‘The King will return to Newcastle in May after just five weeks at the Tyne Theatre.
“Kev is going through a really tough time. He is very unwell, but the great news is that he has responded well to treatment and is feeling much better.
“He’s not out of the woods yet, but he feels strong enough to go out and meet people, meet fans, tell his story and relive great memories, and he’s having a lot of fun doing it.
“It’s an honor to be the host and I can’t wait to welcome him and hear all the Geordies cheering when he arrives.”
Keegan both represented and managed Newcastle and is warmly remembered across the North East. The Mirror reports that the striker has also played for Liverpool, Hamburg and Southampton, winning the Ballon d’Or twice.
He made 63 appearances for England, including an appearance at the 1982 World Cup, before taking charge of his country. Keegan left his post 18 months later after a 1-0 defeat against Germany at his former club Wembley.
Kevin’s cancer diagnosis was confirmed on January 7th, and his family said in a statement: “Kevin was recently admitted to the hospital for further evaluation of his 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 during this difficult time and will not be commenting further.”
There has been an appeal, backed by fellow Newcastle icon Alan Shearer, calling for a statue of Keegan to be erected in St James’s Park.
“I would love to get a statue of Kevin Keegan,” Mr Shearer told Chronicle Live.
“If there’s going to be a new statue in Newcastle, I think it should be in memory of what Kevin Keegan has done for the football club.”
