🚨 THE LAST SMILE BEFORE THE WORLD SAID GOODBYE… — KEVIN KEEGAN’S FINAL PUBLIC PHOTO HAS LEFT FOOTBALL FANS HEARTBROKEN
THE LAST picture of Kevin Keegan shows the legend smiling with his Premier League pal ahead of England’s World Cup opener.
The former Newcastle manager’s family revealed he was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer in January.
Keegan’s pal Peter Graves confirmed his death in a heartbreaking tributeCredit: @PeteGravesTV
The football legend is widely regarded as one of the greatest England players of all timeCredit: Getty
The diagnosis came after “King Keegan” was admitted to hospital with ongoing abdominal problems.
Kevin was last seen smiling on June 17 alongside pals Peter Graves, Sam Allardyce, Ray Parlour and David James as they took to the stage for a live event.
Graves shared a snap with Keegan ahead of the first England game of the World Cup.
He captioned the post: “Three Lions! In great company for the opening England match tonight. Big Sam and KK. Come on England”.
Kevin was last pictured in good spirits on June 17 at the Tyne Theatre for a Gala EventCredit: @PeteGravesTV
Keegan receives a standing ovation at the recent Gala EventCredit: Gala Events / Sam Bagnall
Fans were quick to praise Kevin’s good health, adding that the former England captain was “looking well”.
Earlier this year, Keegan appeared at the Tyne Theatre and vowed to “say goodbye” properly to his beloved Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Opening up to host Graves, he said: “I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left (Newcastle United) last time…”
The two time Ballon d’Or winner also bravely spoke out about his diagnosis and chat with his doctor.
He 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.”
Today, friend Peter Graves confirmed Kevin’s passing with a touching tribute.
He wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.”
Keegan vowed to say goodbye to his beloved Newcastle at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty
He managed the Magpies for five years between 1992-97Credit: Getty
A statement from his family in January 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.”
Newcastle legendary striker Alan Shearer has led the tributes to his former manager and “hero”.
Shearer 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.
Keegan scored 49 goals in 85 appearances for the magpies as a playerCredit: AP:Associated Press
Kevin Keegan poses after being officially announced as the Newcastle United manager for a second time in 2008Credit: Getty
“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.”
The 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.
As a manager, he is famous for his passionate “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 Man Utd in 1996.
After quitting as Newcastle manager in 2008, the adopted Geordie vowed never to return to St James’ Park while Mike Ashley remained.
The ex-England boss spent two seasons on Tyneside as a player before so nearly landing the Magpies’ first league title since 1927 as manager in 1996.
Ashley brought him back in 2008 but they went on to have a bitter falling-out over the club’s transfer policy.
Their feud came as Keegan took charge of Newcastle for a second time in 2008, but lasted only 22 games.
Keegan insisted he would only go back to St James’ Park once the unpopular Sports Direct tycoon had gone.
He had previously managed the Magpies for five years between 1992-97, in what was their most successful spell in recent history.
Keegan scored 49 goals in 85 appearances for the club as a player.
SOURCE: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/39810923/kevin-keegan-smiles-england-world-cup/