💔 HE WAS ONE OF ENGLAND’S GREATEST FOOTBALL HEROES… AND NOW THE FOOTBALL WORLD IS IN SH0CK AS KEVIN KEEGAN HAS DI-ED AT THE AGE OF 75
ENGLAND legend Kevin Keegan has died aged 75.
The former Three Lions and Premier League icon’s family revealed he was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer in January after being admitted to hospital with ongoing abdominal problems.
Kevin Keegan has sadly died aged 75Credit: Getty
Keegan with Pete Graves and Sam Allardyce on June 17 in his last public photoCredit: @PeteGravesTV
Keegan – who was last pictured in good spirits in June with pals Pete Graves and Sam Allardyce during the World Cup – has sadly passed away surrounded by his loved ones, it has been confirmed.
In a heart-breaking tribute, his family said this afternoon: “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 (we) are requesting space and privacy.”
Former club Newcastle United – where he was both player and manager for the Magpies – said it was “devastated to learn” of his passing, describing him as “one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history”.
Keegan had dealt with his harrowing battle in good spiritsCredit: @PeteGravesTV
Keegan holds a copy of The Sun promoting his autobiography in 1997Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Tributes to Keegan at St James’ ParkCredit: PA
A note saying: ‘Thank you for all you did’Credit: PA
The statement went on to say: “Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager.
“He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.
“As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.
“As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world.
“He was so much more than an entertainer.
“Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe. He understood our people.
“He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.
“Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.
Keegan is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all timeCredit: AFP
Then-Liverpool player Keegan at Anfield in 1975Credit: Getty
“At this profoundly sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin’s wife Jean, his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.
“Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant of our history, and at the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy.”
The statement added: “Rest in peace, King Kev.”
Manchester City – where Keegan also served as manager, winning promotion to the Premier League in 2002 – said: “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.”
Pundit and former Premier League striker Alan Shearer – who was one of the first ex-players to pay tribute to the legendary player and manager – wrote: “My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.”
Keegan arrives at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House in Newcastle ahead of his sold-out show, ‘An Evening with Kevin Keegan’ on May 31Credit: BackGrid
Keegan in action during the Bundesliga match between Hamburger SV and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Volkspark stadium on May 19, 1979Credit: Getty
Football fan Prince William also posted a tribute to Instagram, saying: “Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan.
“A truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game.
“Above all, he will be remembered as a kind and generous man.
“Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him.”
In its own tribute, the FA added: “Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends and former clubs.”
Appearing at the Tyne Theatre in May in An Evening with Kevin Keegan, hosted by close friend Graves, the star had dealt with his harrowing battle with a cheeky sense of humour.
The forward – dubbed Mighty Mouse due to his low centre of gravity at 5ft 8 – had also vowed to “say goodbye” properly to his beloved Newcastle at the club stadium St James’ Park.
“I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left (Newcastle United) last time…” he said, referring to his falling out with then-club owner Mike Ashley after a brief second spell in charge in 2008.
The former England manager had been diagnosed with cancerCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
The Liverpool icon is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all timeCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner also described a meeting with a doctor about his treatment.
Keegan added: “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.”
He told the audience: “I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left (Newcastle United) last time…”
In January, his family and Newcastle revealed in a statement that the icon – who also played for Liverpool in the 1970s – would be undergoing treatment for his condition.
It 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.”
Keegan’s teams included legendary players such as Alan Shearer as captain, David Beckham, Sol Campbell, Gary Neville and David SeamanCredit: Getty
Keegan pictured in 1980Credit: Rex Features
It comes after Norway manager Stale Solbakken sent his best wishes to his “big hero” Keegan during the pre-match press conference for his nation’s World Cup quarter final earlier this month.
The late football legend is widely regarded as one of the greatest England players of all time.
He has won three First Division Championships, two UEFA Cups, one FA Cup and a European Cup in his playing career at Liverpool.
He also won the Ballon d’Or twice – the only Englishman to ever achieve this.
Having scored 49 goals in 85 appearances as a player for Newcastle, he went on to manage the club for five years between 1992-97, in what was their most successful spell in recent history.
He led the club to two consecutive second place finishes and a Uefa Cup quarter final, almost beating Manchester United to the title in 1996 in what would’ve been the Magpies’ first league title since 1927.
While at the helm, he is famous for his “I would love it if we beat them” rant at Sir Alex Ferguson.
It came before his Newcastle side threw away a 13-point lead and lost the Premier League title to United in 1996.
A young Keegan in the 1960s at Sunthorpe UnitedCredit: Scunthorpe United
As a manager, he is famous for his ‘I would love it if we beat them’ rantCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Then-club owner Mike Ashley brought him back in 2008 but they went on to have a bitter falling-out over the club’s transfer policy and Keegan left after only 22 games.
He insisted he would only go back to St James’ Park once the unpopular Sports Direct tycoon had gone.
Keegan then took on managing England manager as the full-time replacement for Glenn Hoddle in 1999.
His first game in charge saw the Three Lions run out 3-1 winners over Poland in the Euro 2000 qualifying group.
The goals came via a hat-trick from Manchester United‘s Paul Scholes.
The midfielder’s feat was England’s first hat-trick from a player since Ian Wright scored four against San Marino in 1993.
Keegan’s teams included legendary players such as Alan Shearer as captain, David Beckham, Sol Campbell, Gary Neville and David Seaman.
He also handed debuts to Tim Sherwood and Ray Parlour.
England were only able to qualify for Euro 2000 via a playoff win over Scotland.
At the tournament, the Three Lions were unable to advance to the quarter-finals as they lost two of three group games.
Keegan resigned from the role in October 2000 after losing to Germany in their first 2002 World Cup qualifier.
That match was also the final game to be played at the old Wembley before it was rebuilt.
In 1991, the football icon was attacked while sleeping in his car next to the M25 in Surrey.
He was beaten unconscious with a baseball bat and robbed in the car park.
The pundit had stopped for a nap during a long drive back from his Spanish villa.
Keegan managed to flag down a passing motorist to call the police, and had to get four stitches on his scalp when he finally got to hospital.
The football legend, who has an OBE, was married to Jean, who he met at 19, and he leaves behind two daughters, Laura Jane and Sarah Marie.
“King Kev” married Jean in 1974, after meeting at a Doncaster fair in 1970.
Still a teenager, he approached her – but said she had a crush on Manchester United superstar George Best.
So he chose to lie and say he worked in steelworks as to not sound “too flash”.
Keegan won her over and they married in September 1974.
SOURCE: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/37842353/kevin-keegan-england-legend-dies/