Former Newcastle, Manchester City and England manager Kevin Keegan told supporters in public at the weekend that he has stage four cancer.
Kevin Keegan told fans he has stage 4 cancer during a public appearance in Newcastle over the weekend.
It was announced in January that the former Magpies, Manchester City and England manager would undergo treatment for cancer. The news was met with enthusiastic support from across the football world, particularly Keegan’s former club, with Newcastle confirming the news with a statement from the 75-year-old and his family.
Keegan appeared in good spirits as he reflected on his career in a short video ahead of his first public appearance at the Tyne Theater over the weekend.
During the appearance, Mr Keegan revealed details of his diagnosis, telling supporters that he has stage 4 cancer, the most advanced form.
Kevin Keegan told fans he has stage 4 cancer over the weekend (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN / BACKGRID)
Mr Keegan was quoted as saying in the Mail: “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 wasn’t going to walk alone, if you know what I mean.”
Keegan had a glittering career representing his beloved Magpies and Liverpool, and was in top form during the tournament.
He spoke light-heartedly of the moment his treating doctor informed him of his extraordinary ability to fight his illness.
Keegan said: “I said, ‘That’s great! What’s your strike rate?’ He said, ’33 percent.’ oh. I thought he might say 80, maybe 90. Anyway, I’m still here…”
Keegan, who has previously managed the club twice, admitted he would like to return to St James’ Park for the first time since leaving in 2008 and, if possible, wave to the crowd before a match, pointing out he did not have the opportunity to do so when he left.
Keegan returns to Tyneside to talk about his life and career (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN / BACKGRID)
“I want to say goodbye. I didn’t have a chance the last time I left the club,” he told the crowd.
Keegan is a two-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most decorated British players of all time. He made 85 appearances for Newcastle and returned to manage the club for the first time in 1992. He won more than half of his 251 games as manager and came close to winning the Premier League. His second stint in the dugout was in 2008.
Despite his respected position, Mr Keegan insists he does not want a statue in St James’s Park, saying: “I have to wait until I die. My statue is a way for people to accept me.”
Keegan is a Newcastle legend (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN/BACKGRID)
Newcastle congratulated Keegan in a post on Monday’s X, adding that he would “always have a warm welcome” at St James’ Park.
“We would like to send our heartfelt support and warm wishes to Kevin Keegan and his family who have recently been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer,” the club said in a statement.
“Kevin occupies a unique and cherished place in Newcastle’s history and in the hearts of our supporters. His passion, leadership and connection to the club and city have shaped some of our most memorable moments.”
“Everyone at the club is rooting for Kevin and sending strength and well wishes to him and his family on their journey ahead. Kevin will always have a warm welcome at St James’s Park and we hope to see him again soon.”
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