Liverpool and Newcastle United icon Kevin Keegan has died from stomach cancer, aged 75.
News of Keegan’s illness first broke in January and in June he revealed that he had stage four cancer – meaning it had spread to other pars of the body.
The former England manager underwent treatment after treatment after suffering from ongoing abdominal symptoms which triggered a diagnosis. However, sadly, it has been announced that he has passed.
A statement on behalf of the Keegan family said he was ‘surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments’.
‘Kevin, a double Ballon d’Or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather,” it continued.
‘The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.’
Newcastle United paid tribute, describing Keegan as ‘one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history’.
The club statement added: ‘Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.
‘Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.’
Liverpool, for whom Keegan played for between 1971 and 1977, said Keegan’s ‘indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on’.
Hamburg said football had lost one of its ‘defining figures” and they would always ‘cherish’ his memory, while Fulham said Keegan ‘forged a strong connection’ with the fans, who would ‘forever hold wonderful memories’ of his short time at the club.
Keegan’s first club, Scunthorpe, described him as ‘one of the best players of his generation’, with an ‘inspirational demeanour’ and ‘brilliant personality’.
England and Manchester City both offered their condolences to the Keegan family, with the latter describing him as ‘one of the most iconic and fondly remembered figures in English football’.
The Three Lions will celebrate Keegan’s life when they host Spain in a UEFA Nations League match at Wembley on 26 September.
Keegan made his name at Liverpool in a glittering playing career. He won 63 England caps and also managed Fulham and Manchester City.
He guided Newcastle to the Premier League during the first of two stints at St James’ Park and came close to lifting the title, only to be pipped by Manchester United.
Keegan started his career at Scunthorpe before being signed for Liverpool by Bill Shankly in 1971, going on to win the First Division title three times as well as the FA Cup, the UEFA Cup twice and the 1977 European Cup.
Keegan was twice named European Footballer of the Year while at German club Hamburg and returned to England to play for Southampton and Newcastle before retiring as a player in 1984.
He won 63 England caps, scoring 21 goals, playing at the 1982 World Cup and was also later captain of the national team.
In 1992, Keegan made his first step into management at his former club Newcastle, guiding them into the Premier League and to within touching distance of the 1995-96 title only to miss out to Manchester United.
After leaving St James’ Park in January 1997, a brief stint at Fulham followed before he became England manager in 1999, having initially taken on the job following Glenn Hoddle’s departure.
Having overseen a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign, Keegan resigned on the back of defeat by Germany at Wembley Stadium, the last match at the national stadium before it was rebuilt.
Keegan made his name at Liverpool in a glittering playing career. He won 63 England caps and also managed Fulham and Manchester City .
He guided Newcastle to the Premier League during the first of two stints at St James’ Park and came close to lifting the title, only to be pipped by Manchester United .
Keegan started his career at Scunthorpe before being signed for Liverpool by Bill Shankly in 1971, going on to win the First Division title three times as well as the FA Cup, the UEFA Cup twice and the 1977 European Cup.
Keegan was twice named European Footballer of the Year while at German club Hamburg and returned to England to play for Southampton and Newcastle before retiring as a player in 1984.
He won 63 England caps, scoring 21 goals, playing at the 1982 World Cup and was also later captain of the national team.
In 1992, Keegan made his first step into management at his former club Newcastle, guiding them into the Premier League and to within touching distance of the 1995-96 title only to miss out to Manchester United.
After leaving St James’ Park in January 1997, a brief stint at Fulham followed before he became England manager in 1999, having initially taken on the job following Glenn Hoddle’s departure.
Having overseen a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign, Keegan resigned on the back of defeat by Germany at Wembley Stadium, the last match at the national stadium before it was rebuilt.
