🚨 MY HERO, MY MANAGER… AND… — ALAN SHEARER LEADS EMOTIONAL TRIBUTES AFTER THE DEATH OF FOOTBALL LEGEND KEVIN KEEGAN, LEAVING FANS HEARTBROKEN
ALAN SHEARER has led tributes to Kevin Keegan following his death at the age of 75.
Keegan‘s close friend Peter Graves shared the news of his passing on Monday afternoon.
Clubs and former players have paid tribute to Kevin Keegan following his deathCredit: Jon Bond – The Sun
Alan Shearer has paid tribute to his ‘hero’Credit: PA
He said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.
“The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.
“Kevin, a double Ballon D’or winner, 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 a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.”
Shearer was one of the first ex-players to pay tribute to the legendary player and manager, writing: “My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.”
The 55-year-old played under Keegan when he first joined Newcastle for a then world record fee of £15million ahead of the 1996/97 season.
Newcastle also paid tribute, taking to social media to write: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.
“Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.”
Keegan spent two years playing for Newcastle and managed the club for six yearsCredit: Reuters
He also managed England for a yearCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Southampton added a tribute, writing: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan.
“Kevin signed for the club in 1980 as the holder of the Ballon d’Or and brought great joy to fans at The Dell and across the football world.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Tributes for Keegan have been shared over social media by fans and former players.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said: “RIP Kevin Keegan. One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies & goals galore, double Ballon d’Or winner shows he was an absolute giant of the English game.
“One of the most important men in making @LFC what it is today.”
A statement from Manchester City read: “Everyone at Manchester City is devastated to learn our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away, aged 75.
“Kevin was a transformative manager who brought optimism and vibrancy to City during his four-year spell in charge.
“The promotion campaign in 2001/02 will never be forgotten, and Kevin then established us once again as a top Premier League side in the years that followed.
“Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”
An Everton statement added: “Everyone at Everton is saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan.
“Our thoughts are with his close family and friends at this difficult time.”
And a post from the official England account read: “We are incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan OBE has passed away.
“Kevin earned 63 international caps and scored 21 goals between 1972 and 1982, before managing the #ThreeLions from 1999 to 2000.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends and former clubs.”
Keegan kicked off his professional playing career in the 1960s with Scunthorpe United and went on to play for Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle.
Keegan was capped 63 times for England and scored 21 goalsCredit: Getty
SOURCE: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/39817226/southampton-tributes-kevin-keegan-death-england-liverpool-newcastle-star/