Kevin Keegan Diagnosed with Cancer

Former England and Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan has received a cancer diagnosis at the age of 74.

Recently, he was admitted to the hospital for evaluation due to ongoing abdominal symptoms. Subsequent tests confirmed the diagnosis, and he is currently undergoing treatment.

In a statement released by Newcastle on behalf of Keegan’s family, it was noted: “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 is requesting privacy and will be making no further comment.”

Keegan began his football career at Scunthorpe before being signed by Liverpool under manager Bill Shankly in 1971. During his time with Liverpool, he won the First Division title three times, as well as the FA Cup, the UEFA Cup twice, and the 1977 European Cup.

He was honored twice as the European Footballer of the Year while playing for Hamburg in Germany, later returning to England to play for Southampton and Newcastle before retiring as a player in 1984.

Over his international career, he earned 63 caps for England, scoring 21 goals and participating in the 1982 World Cup. Keegan also served as the captain of the national team.

In 1992, he began his managerial career at Newcastle, successfully guiding the team to the Premier League and coming close to winning the 1995/96 title, although they ultimately fell short to Manchester United.

After departing St James’ Park in January 1997, Keegan had a brief tenure at Fulham before taking on the role of England manager in 1999, succeeding Glenn Hoddle. His time with the national team ended after a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign, culminating in a defeat by Germany at Wembley Stadium, which marked the last match at the national stadium before its reconstruction.

A subsequent stint at Manchester City followed, but he left the club in March 2005, announcing his retirement from football. In 2008, Keegan made an emotional return to Newcastle, but his tenure lasted only eight months due to tensions with the board and owner Mike Ashley.