Kevin Keegan: England football icon diagnosed with cancer as family give heart-breaking statement

Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer, his family have confirmed.

The former England player and manager will undergo treatment following his diagnosis.

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Keegan is a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, having received the award in 1978 and 1979 during his time at German club Hamburg.

He also played for the likes of Liverpool, Southampton and Newcastle as well as scoring 21 goals in 63 caps for the Three Lions.

After retiring, the 74-year-old headed into the dugout for spells in charge of Newcastle, Fulham and Manchester City.

Meanwhile, he spent over a year as England boss between 1999 and 2000.

Keegan family statement

Confirming Keegan’s cancer diagnosis in a statement, his family said: “Kevin was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms.

“These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.

“Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care.

“During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment.”

Newcastle also shared a message for their former player and manager on social media.

A post from the club read: “Our former player & manager, Kevin Keegan will undergo treatment after being diagnosed with cancer having been admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms.

“King Kev. We’re with you every step of the way. Hoping for a full and speedy recovery.”

Having started his career with Scunthorpe, Keegan joined Liverpool in 1971.

The forward would go on to win nine trophies during six years at Anfield, including the European Cup and three league titles.

His performances for the Reds resulted in a then British record £500,000 move to Hamburg, where he won the Bundesliga along with his two Ballon d’Or triumphs.

Keegan returned to England in 1980, first joining Southampton before heading to Newcastle.

He would end his career with spells in Malaysia and Australia, ultimately retiring in 1985 aged 34.

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At international level, Keegan also represented England at both the 1980 Euros and 1982 World Cup.

Having ended his playing career, he returned to Newcastle as manager in 1992 for a successful spell in charge.

Keegan won promotion to the Premier League in his first full season at the helm before a second place finish in the 1995/96 campaign.

It represented the Magpies’ highest league position since the last of their four league titles in 1927.

Following spells in charge of Fulham, England and City, he was appointed manager at St. James’ Park for a second time in 2008.

However, Keegan’s tenure would last just seven months and was his final managerial role.