Kevin Keegan dead at 75: Football legend passes away following battle with cancer
Kevin Keegan died at the age of 75 after a short battle with the disease.
The England and Newcastle legend was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer in January, having been hospitalized with abdominal problems.
Keegan made a name for himself with a brilliant playing career at Liverpool. He played 63 times for England and also managed Fulham and Manchester City.
He led Newcastle to the Premier League in the first of his two seasons at St James’ Park and came close to lifting the title, but lost to Manchester United.
His family said in a statement: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Kevin Keegan at the age of 75.
‘The former England player and manager was battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.
‘Double Ballon D’or winner Kevin was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support.
‘This is an extremely difficult time and they want space and privacy.’
In a statement made by his family in January, it was stated that Keegan was hospitalized due to ‘ongoing abdominal symptoms’.
“These investigations revealed a cancer diagnosis for which Kevin will receive treatment,” the statement said.
Speaking in his first public outing since his cancer diagnosis in May, Keegan told the audience he was responding well to treatment after being reassured ‘we’ve got a good doctor who knows this new way of dealing with what you have’.
‘HE [the doctor] He was a Liverpool fan, so I went to meet him. ‘I knew I wouldn’t walk alone, if you know what I mean.’
After starting his career at Scunthorpe, Keegan moved to Anfield, where he won the First League three times, the European Cup once and the UEFA Cup twice.
He transferred to Hamburger SV in 1977 and was named European Footballer of the Year in both 1978 and 1979, winning the Bundesliga and reaching the top flight. 1980 European Cup final.
Keegan, who succeeded Glenn Hoddle as England manager in 1999, resigned in 2000 following a disappointing European Championship and defeat to Germany in the final at the old Wembley.
He would go on to oversee promotions to the top flight for both Fulham and City.
Keegan scored 204 goals in 592 appearances for six clubs during his magnificent career.
