Liverpool icon Kevin Keegan told supporters that he is dealing with stage four cancer during a public appearance in Newcastle over the weekend
Kevin Keegan
Kevin Keegan(Image: (Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
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Kevin Keegan has revealed he is being treated for stage four cancer by a Liverpool-supporting doctor. The 75-year-old, who starred for the Reds in the 1970s, revealed back in January that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
The former England forward and manager had been admitted to hospital at the time due to "ongoing abdominal symptoms". His family said in a statement: "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 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."
Keegan, though, made his public appearance at the weekend at an event in Newcastle. And the Kop icon appeared in good spirits.
And during that public appearance, Keegan is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail: "They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got.
"Which is stage four cancer. He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him. I knew I wouldn't be walking alone, if you know what I mean."
Keegan also revealed he plans to return to St. James' Park for the first time since he departed in 2008 to say a proper goodbye to Newcastle United supporters.
He told the audience: "I want to say goodbye. I didn't get the chance when I left the club last time…"
Retired football player Kevin Keegan, poses for a photography at Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley. 07FEB17 SCMP / Jonathan Wong (Photo by Jonathan Wong/South China Morning Post via Getty Images)
Kevin Keegan has opened up on his cancer diagnosis(Image: South China Morning Post, South China Morning Post via Getty Images)
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Newcastle have since responded and shared a message on Monday afternoon, reading: "We send our heartfelt support and warmest wishes to Kevin Keegan and his family following his recent diagnosis of stage four cancer.
"Kevin holds a unique and cherished place in the history of Newcastle United, and in the hearts of our supporters. His passion, leadership and connection to the club and city have shaped some of our most memorable moments.
"Everyone at the club is behind Kevin and sends strength and best wishes to him and his family for the journey ahead. Kevin will always be warmly welcomed at St James' Park and we hope to see him again soon."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: (THE SUN OUT) Kevin Keegan, the new Liverpool FC signing runs out of the player's tunnel at Anfield prior to the Football League Division One match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest held on August 14, 1971 at Anfield, in Liverpool, England. Liverpool won the match 3-1. This game marked Kevin Keegan's debut for the club, he scored on his debut after 12 minutes and became top scorer that season netting 11 goals and became an idol at the club. (Photo by Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Kevin Keegan during his Liverpool days(Image: Getty Images)
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After revealing he had been diagnosed with cancer, Liverpool issued a statement offering support to Keegan.
The statement read: “The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC and Forever Reds are with Kevin Keegan after he was diagnosed with cancer.”
Keegan's playing career also saw him represent Scunthorpe United, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United, and he subsequently went into management, taking charge of the Magpies twice, as well as Fulham, England and Manchester City.
Speaking after Newcastle’s 4-3 comeback over Leeds United on the night Keegan announced he had been diagnosed with cancer, Eddie Howe paid tribute to the former England boss.
He said: "That team that he created was incredibly special and is still talked about – and quite rightly so – for what it achieved and how it played and the entertainment that it gave everybody.
"We are always trying to be that team, we want to entertain, we want the supporters here to be on the edge of their seats.
"Sometimes, unfortunately, we can’t always guarantee that, but today I thought that was us at our thrilling best without playing at our very best.
"But of course the news before the game really shook us all, I think. Kevin, with what he did here as a player and as a manager, is a truly iconic person. I want to pay tribute to him, really, and just hope he’s okay and send him all our love."