Liverpool icon Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer, his family announced on Wednesday.
After an 18-year playing career, the 74-year-old Keegan went on to manage for several seasons, including a two-year stint as England boss from 1999 to 2000.
“Kevin was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms,” the statement read. “These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment. 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.”
A native of Doncaster, Keegan was a product of the Scunthorpe United academy and made his senior debut in 1968. He transferred to Anfield in 1971 where he would go on to make 230 league appearances over five seasons, scoring 68 goals. Keegan won three First Division (then the top flight) titles, an FA Cup, the 1977 European Cup and two UEFA Cups in his time with the Reds.
Keegan left for the Bundesliga in 1977, joining Hamburg. During his time in Germany, Keegan won back-to-back Ballons d’Or in 1978 and 1979. He would finish his career back in England with Southampton and Newcastle, before a two-game stint in Australia in 1985.
Internationally, Keegan was capped by the Three Lions 63 times, scoring 21 goals. He served as England captain at both Euro 1980 and the 1982 World Cup.
Keegan broke into management in 1992 with Newcastle and won promotion to the Premier League the following season. He would also win promotion to the Premier League at Manchester City in 2002 and he took Fulham to the First Division (now the Championship) in 1999.
Keegan was at the helm of England for only 18 matches. Though he helped the team qualify for Euro 2000, the Three Lions crashed out in the group stage, blowing leads to both Portugal and Romania in defeats.