Former England captain Terry Butcher has offered his support to football legends Kevin Keegan and Kenny Dalglish after both men revealed they are battling cancer. Butcher, 67, recalled his fierce on-pitch battles with the two icons during the 1980s and 1990s, describing them as 'winners and fighters' who he hopes will overcome the disease.
Speaking at a screening of his new documentary 'Butcher: Invisible Wounds' in London, the former defender said: 'They are two icons of the game. Cancer can affect anyone. Kevin, Kenny, and I had some real battles over the years, they could be as hard as I was in those days. They are winners and fighters, and I hope they come out the other side.'
Tributes have also poured in from fans and fellow football figures. Steven Gerrard sent a message to Sir Kenny, saying: 'Sending our love Sir Kenny.' Alan Shearer, whom Dalglish managed to the Premier League title at Blackburn in 1995, posted: 'Everyone is with you Kenny.'
Butcher's documentary, airing on ITV4 on Sunday, June 7, at 10pm, explores his life and career, as well as the tragic death of his son Chris in 2017. Chris, a former soldier, died at the age of 35 from an abnormal enlargement of the heart combined with the effect of drugs against a background of PTSD after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Butcher thanked ITV and the charity combat2coffee for their support, with founder Nigel Seaman noting that the documentary is helping 'to save lives'.
