Football legend Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer, his family has said.
The former England forward and manager, 74, was recently admitted to hospital due to “ongoing abdominal symptoms”, a statement said.
“These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment,” it added.
“Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care.
“During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment.”
Newcastle United wished Keegan “a full and speedy recovery” and said: “King Kev. We’re with you every step of the way.”
Liverpool FC also posted on X saying: “The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC and Forever Reds are with Kevin Keegan after he was diagnosed with cancer.”
Keegan is closely associated with the Premier League teams Liverpool and Newcastle, the latter he both played for and managed, twice, and is affectionately known as ‘King Kev’ for his footballing exploits.
Keegan won three titles while a player at Liverpool and also had stints at Southampton, Scunthorpe and for Hamburger SV in Germany.
He won 63 England caps, scoring 21 goals, playing at the 1982 World Cup and was also later captain of the national team.
Keegan was twice named European Footballer of the Year while at German club Hamburg and returned to England to play for Southampton and Newcastle before retiring as a player in 1984.
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He became England manager in 1999, having initially taken on the job following Glenn Hoddle’s departure.
Having overseen a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign, Keegan resigned on the back of defeat by Germany at Wembley Stadium, the last match at the national stadium before it was rebuilt.
His last managerial job was his fairytale return to Newcastle United in 2008 but he quickly fell out with then-owner Mike Ashley and eventually won a constructive dismissal lawsuit against the club.
Newcastle United went on to be relegated that season.
