Footage emerges of Alan Hansen in excessive spirits earlier than severe sickness

Footage has emerged of Alan Hansen’s final public appearance before he was hospitalised after being taken ‘seriously ill’.

Liverpool announced on Sunday that the club legend and former Match of the Day pundit was being treated in hospital as they sent their support to their ex-captain and his family.

A club statement read: ‘The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital.’

The news came as a major shock to the football community, especially as Hansen appeared in good health and high spirits when he was last seen in public.

Hansen, 68, attended Liverpool’s final game of the season just three weeks ago as the Reds beat Wolves 2-0 at Anfield in their last match under Jurgen Klopp.

Alan Hansen was happy to sign the back of a fan’s shirt three weeks ago in his last public appearance before falling ‘seriously ill’

Hansen also stopped and posed for a photo with another supporter

Following the game, Hansen bumped into some fans outside the ground and was filmed signing shirts and posing for photos.

His famous dry sense of humour was also on show as one supporter said: ‘I haven’t seen you at the Dunhill Links for a few years,’ before the Scot replied: ‘I’ve never been invited for a few years!’

Hansen may enjoy a round of golf, but it was on the football pitch where he truly excelled.

The defender won eight league titles and three European Cups during his 14-year career at Liverpool, before hanging up his boots in 1991.

He made the smooth transition into punditry, appearing on Match of the Day for over two decades.

During this time, Hansen became known for his sharp analytical mind and his criticism of defenders, having played the position himself.

He also famously declared ‘you can’t win anything with kids’ after Manchester United lost 3-1 to Aston Villa in their opening game of the 1995-96 season.

Hansen (right) won the European Cup on three occasions during his legendary career

The Red Devils went on to win the title that year, with the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville all starring to make Hansen eat his words, but the popular Scot took the jibes that followed in his stride.

He stepped away from punditry after the 2014 World Cup, but has remained involved in the game by regularly attending matches at Anfield in recent years to watch his beloved Liverpool.

Well-wishes were posted across social media on Sunday evening – including from Hansen’s former Match of the Day colleague Gary Lineker – with fans hoping he can make a full recovery to get back to Anfield in the near future.