Kevin Keegan has revealed he is battling stage four cancer, the most advanced stage of the disease, but is responding well to treatment. The 75-year-old former England international disclosed the full details over the weekend, having initially been diagnosed in January.
Keegan made his first public appearances since the diagnosis at two events, one in King's Lynn on Friday and another in Newcastle on Sunday. He told The Times that the cancer was discovered during a scan following a car accident, and that he has an 'absolute top doctor' for his condition.
The football legend began his career at Scunthorpe before joining Liverpool in 1971, where he won three First Division titles, two UEFA Cups, the FA Cup and the 1977 European Cup. He also won the Ballon d'Or twice while at Hamburg and played for Southampton and Newcastle before retiring in 1984. As a manager, he led Newcastle, Fulham, England and Manchester City.
Keegan's family confirmed his cancer diagnosis in January, stating he had been admitted to hospital for 'further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms'. He has since been the victim of a cruel hoax falsely claiming he had only days to live, which was dismissed by Sky Sports presenter Pete Graves, who confirmed Keegan is feeling better and responding well to treatment.
Newcastle United and Liverpool both issued statements of support, with Newcastle saying, 'King Kev. We're with you every step of the way.' Keegan, affectionately known as 'King Kev', continues to receive an outpouring of support from fans and former clubs as he undergoes treatment.
