Kevin Keegan given cancer diagnosis
Kevin Keegan remains a hero on Tyneside
Former England forward and manager Kevin Keegan has been told he has cancer, according to a statement from his family.
The 74-year-old, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979, enjoyed a wonderful playing career, starting out at Scunthorpe before spells at Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle.
He returned to Tyneside for two spells as manager, including one between 1992 and 1997 in which Newcastle became genuine title contenders only to fall short.
He managed the Three Lions between 1999 and 2000 but resigned after England lost 1-0 to Germany in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley.
He went back to Newcastle in 2008 after a spell at Manchester City.
A statement from the Tyneside club read: “Kevin Keegan 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.”