The family of Kevin Keegan have revealed in a statement the football legend has been diagnosed with cancer. The 74-year-old had recently been admitted to hospital for “abdominal symptoms”.
Keegan spent six years with LFC, and also had spells at Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle. He amassed 100 goals in 332 appearances, with his honours including three League Titles, two Uefa Cups, one FA Cup and a European Cup in a famous night in Rome back in 1977.
Photo Credit – Spencer Yap
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The Reds’ legend was a staple of the dominant Paisley team in the 1970’s, where he wore the iconic number ‘7’, and became one of the world’s best players. He played his last match for Liverpool in the European Cup Final victory against Borussia Monchengladbach, making the switch to Hamburg in the summer of 1977. He was affectionately known by the Anfield faithful as “King Kev”.
He later would be awarded back-to-back Ballon d’Or honours with Hamburg, in 1978 and 1979 respectively.
Keegan also had managerial spells with Newcastle, Fulham, Manchester City and the English National Team. The Armthorpe-born football icon would go on to become known in the managerial world, for his exciting style of play that was showcased in his Newcastle team of the 90’s. The infamous photo of Keegan slumped across advertising boards will still bring a wry smile to Liverpool fans of a certain age, after Stan Collymore’s late goal in a 1996 game halted Newcastle’s title charge in a 4-3 victory for the reds. An iconic Premier League game with an even more iconic image and commentary.
The Reds’ legend is ever popular with the club and fans, and a hero of his generation. Liverpool have said in a club statement “the thoughts and support of everyone” at the club were with Keegan.
