England icon Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer, his family has announced.
Keegan, 74, who turned out for Liverpool, Hamburg and Newcastle among others during his legendary playing career, was recently admitted to hospital due to "ongoing abdominal symptoms", a statement said.
A statement, shared by Newcastle on social media from his family, read: "Kevin Keegan was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms. These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.
Kevin Keegan was both a player and a manager at Newcastle United
"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 added: "Our former player & manager, Kevin Keegan will undergo treatment after being diagnosed with cancer having been admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms. King Kev. We're with you every step of the way. Hoping for a full and speedy recovery."
Liverpool also posted on X: "The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC and Forever Reds are with Kevin Keegan after he was diagnosed with cancer."
Kevin Keegan is one of the greatest players in Liverpool's history (Image: GETTY)
"Such awful news. We all send our warmest wishes for a speedy recovery," one fan responded on X. "Ah man that’s awful news. Wishing nothing but a full recovery. Go and win for him tonight lads," a second said. And another added: "My hero. The man responsible for so many people falling in love with this football club!"
Keegan is an icon in the North East, and during his first spell, he almost led his free-flowing attacking side to Premier League glory in 1996. His "I would love it if we beat them” rant is one of the Prem's most iconic moments as his side let slip a 13-point lead to Manchester United.
He returned to St James' Park in a fairy tale move for a brief spell in 2008, but the adopted Geordie had a bitter falling out with Mike Ashley and vowed only to return once the Sports Direct owner had left.
Kevin Keegan was given the England manager role in 1999 (Image: DX)
He's regarded as a legend at Anfield, where he won three First Division Championships, two UEFA Cups, one FA Cup and a European Cup, earning him the adoration of the Kop, before leaving for Hamburg.
Keegan is also a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, the only Englishman to achieve such a feat, which he managed during his time in Germany, before returning to England to play for Newcastle and Southampton.
Along with Newcastle, he managed Fulham and Manchester City, either side of his time in charge of the Three Lions, after replacing Glenn Hoddle in 1999.
Keegan qualified for Euro 2000 but failed to get past the group stage in the tournament, before resigning in the wake of a 1-0 defeat to Germany in a 2002 World Cup qualifier - the last game played at the old Wembley Stadium.