Kevin Keegan, the former manager of England and Newcastle, has been diagnosed with cancer.
The 74-year-old was recently hospitalized due to abdominal issues, and subsequent tests confirmed the diagnosis. He is now undergoing treatment.
A family statement released through Newcastle expressed, “Kevin Keegan was recently admitted to the hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms. These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment. Kevin is thankful for the medical team’s intervention and continued care. The family requests privacy during this challenging time and will not be providing further comments.”
Keegan began his career at Scunthorpe before joining Liverpool in 1971, where he won the First Division three times, in addition to the FA Cup, UEFA Cup on two occasions, and the 1977 European Cup.
He earned the title of European Footballer of the Year twice while playing for Hamburg in Germany, before returning to England to play for Southampton and Newcastle, ultimately retiring as a player in 1984.
Keegan represented England 63 times, netting 21 goals, and participated in the 1982 World Cup, later serving as captain of the national team.
In 1992, he embarked on his managerial career at Newcastle, leading the team to the Premier League and nearly winning the 1995/96 title, finishing just behind Manchester United.
After departing St James’ Park in January 1997, he briefly managed Fulham before taking over as England manager in 1999, stepping in after Glenn Hoddle’s exit.
Following a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign, Keegan resigned after a defeat to Germany at Wembley, the last match before the stadium’s renovation.
A subsequent stint at Manchester City lasted until March 2005, when Keegan first announced his retirement from football.
He made an emotional comeback to Newcastle in 2008, but his second tenure ended after just eight months due to conflicts with the board and owner Mike Ashley.