Kevin Keegan was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and the former England and Newcastle manager has now confirmed he is battling stage four of the disease during a public appearance at the Tyne Theatre
Kevin Keegan revealed to supporters that he is battling stage four cancer during a public appearance in Newcastle over the weekend. It was disclosed back in January that the former Magpies, Manchester City and England boss was receiving cancer treatment.
The announcement prompted an enormous wave of solidarity from the football world, especially from Keegan’s former clubs, with Newcastle confirming the development by releasing a statement from the 75-year-old and his family.
Keegan seemed in high spirits during a short video ahead of his first public outing over the weekend at the Tyne Theatre to reflect on his career.
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It was during that event that Keegan revealed additional details about his condition, informing fans he is confronting stage four cancer, the most severe form of the illness.
Keegan is quoted as saying by The Mail: “They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got. Which is stage four cancer. 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,” reports the Mirror.
Keegan, who also enjoyed a brilliant playing career that included spells at his cherished Magpies and Liverpool amongst others, was in excellent form throughout the occasion.
He jokingly recounted the moment when the doctor who delivered his diagnosis informed him of his impressive success rate against the condition.
Keegan joked: “I said: ‘Fantastic! What is your strike rate?’ He said: ’33 per cent’. Oh. I thought he might say 80, maybe 90! Anyway, I am still here at the moment…”
Having managed the club twice, Keegan confirmed he wants to return to St James’ Park for the first time since leaving his post in 2008 to wave to the crowd prior to a game if possible.
“I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left the club last time,” he told the crowd.
Keegan is an icon in the footballing world – he has 63 England caps to his name, scoring 21 goals and playing at the 1982 World Cup.
At Liverpool, he won three league titles, an FA Cup, a European Cup and two UEFA Cups. While he also claimed a Bundesliga with Hamburg, and the Ballon d’Or, one of only four Englishmen to do so.