Sir Alex Ferguson has recalled a heartwarming encounter with Kevin Keegan, just days after the former Newcastle United boss delivered one of the most iconic managerial outbursts in Premier League history. Keegan, one of the most popular figures in English football, died aged 75 following a battle with cancer.
In a statement, his family said: "It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. Kevin, a double Ballon D'or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy."
Ferguson reflects on Keegan's character
Tributes have poured in from across the football world, and former Manchester United manager Ferguson has reflected on a few memorable moments he shared with Keegan. One of those encounters came in a pub, just days after Keegan famously declared that he would 'love it' if his side beat United in the 1995/96 title race - a passionate response to Ferguson's trademark mind games that helped define their rivalry.
Recalling their encounter, Ferguson said: "That was Kevin, he was all emotion and he brought that to the team as well. They played for Kevin Keegan, there's no question about that. The interesting thing about the outburst from Kevin, two weeks after the season had finished, I was playing golf with some friends and went to a great bar up the road, nice food. We went up there, and who walks in? Kevin Keegan and he spent the rest of the night on the piano."
No grudges held
That season, Newcastle surrendered a 12‑point lead to United, but by then, Keegan had long put the collapse behind him. Ferguson added: "The best thing about him is he held no grudges, that was a fantastic quality he had. We had a great night, he would always say - whatever happened in previous weeks, that was soon forgotten. I really respected him for that."
Keegan died aged 75 after being diagnosed with cancer, but was still active in the final months of his life. The former England boss is survived by his wife, Jean, and their children, Laura Jane and Sarah Marie.
Keegan's legacy
'King Kev' remains one of the finest players England has ever produced, and his international career - both as a player and later as manager - was unforgettable. A two‑time Ballon d'Or winner, he enjoyed spells with Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, Newcastle and Blacktown City. He hung up his boots in 1985 and took charge of Newcastle in 1992. From there, the Liverpool icon went on to manage Fulham, England and Manchester City before returning to St James' Park for a second spell in 2008.
