Kevin Keegan, the former manager of England and Newcastle, has disclosed that he is battling stage four cancer.
In January, Keegan’s family announced that the ex-Liverpool and Newcastle player had been diagnosed with the illness.
During a recent event at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House, the 75-year-old provided an update on his health, mentioning, “They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got, which is stage four cancer,” as reported by the Daily Mail.
“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 added.
Newcastle United expressed their support for Keegan in a post on X, stating that he will “always be warmly welcomed” at St James’ Park.
“We send our heartfelt support and warmest wishes to Kevin Keegan and his family following the recent diagnosis of stage four cancer,” the club shared.
“Kevin holds a unique and cherished place in Newcastle’s history 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 stands behind Kevin and sends strength and best wishes to him and his family for the journey ahead. We look forward to welcoming him back at St James’ Park soon.”
Keegan began his professional career at Scunthorpe before joining Liverpool in 1971, where he won the First Division three times and achieved success in two UEFA Cups, an FA Cup, and the 1977 European Cup.
He was twice awarded the Ballon d’Or, then known as the European Footballer of the Year, while playing for German club Hamburg, where he also reached another European Cup final. Additionally, Keegan played for Southampton and Newcastle before retiring in 1984.
On the international stage, he scored 21 goals in 63 appearances for England and participated in the 1982 World Cup finals.
As a manager, Keegan returned to Newcastle in 1992, helping to guide them into the Premier League, where they narrowly missed out on the title in the 1995-96 season to Manchester United.
After a stint at Fulham, he became the England manager in 1999 but resigned after a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign and a World Cup qualifying loss to Germany.
Keegan later took charge of Manchester City before departing in March 2005. He returned to Newcastle in 2008, but his second tenure lasted only eight months.
During the event, Keegan expressed his desire to return to St James’ Park for a proper farewell, stating, “I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left the club last time.”