Kevin Keegan Diagnosed With Cancer as Family Issue Statement
Football legend Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer after being admitted to hospital.
In a devastating statement, the family of former Liverpool star Keegan, 74, confirmed that he will undergo treatment for cancer having been diagnosed following a recent hospital visit.
The former England forward and manager was recently admitted to hospital due to "ongoing abdominal symptoms", the statement revealed.
"These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment," it added.
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“Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care."
Following the confirmation, Keegan's family have asked for privacy and confirmed that they would be making no further comment while he undergoes treatment.
Keegan, who is commonly known by popular nicknames "King Kev" or "Mighty Mouse", is viewed as a club legend by both Liverpool and Newcastle fans after he enjoyed a legendary Premier League career.
Across 592 appearances in his club career, Keegan scored 204 goals while also scoring goals in 63 caps during his stint playing for England.
For Liverpool, Keegan made 322 appearances, scoring 100 goals while assisting another 88 in a career that saw him win the European Champion Clubs' Cup, which is now the Champions League, in 1976/77 and three English titles.
The Englishman won the Ballon d'Or twice while at German club Hamburg before returning to England to play for Southampton and Newcastle before retiring as a player in 1984.
He made 85 appearances for Newcastle United, scoring 49 goals with 17 assists.
Sharing the statement on social media, Newcastle's official account added: "King Kev. We're with you every step of the way. Hoping for a full and speedy recovery."
Following his playing career, Keegan took his first job as a manager in 1992, taking former club Newcastle within touching distance of the 1995/96 title, which was won by Manchester United.
He then enjoyed a brief spell with Fulham before replacing Glenn Hoddle as England manager in 1999.
After leading England during what was a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign, Keegan resigned following the defeat by Germany at Wembley Stadium.
He then returned to club management, working with Manchester City until March 2005, before announcing retiring from football.
Keegan did make one last return to management three years later as he once again took over at Newcastle, but lasted just eight months due to growing tensions with the board and owner Mike Ashley.
Ben McCrum