Newcastle legend Kevin Keegan diagnosed with cancer

Newcastle United and Liverpool legend Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer and will undergo treatment.

The former England manager and forward had been suffering from abdominal problems and went into hospital for tests, which revealed an unspecified type of cancer.

Keegan, 74, managed Newcastle twice and also played for them, while he won three First Division titles with Liverpool during the 1970s and twice received the Ballon d’Or award for the best player in the world while at Bundesliga outfit Hamburg. He scored 21 goals in 63 games for England, who he also captained and then managed between 1999 and 2000.

“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,” a statement from his family read.

“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, the club with whom Keegan is perhaps most closely associated and where he is known as “King Kev”, said that they were with him “every step of the way” as they wished him a speedy recovery.

“Our former player & manager, Kevin Keegan will undergo treatment after being diagnosed with cancer having been admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms,” Newcastle said in a statement. “King Kev. We’re with you every step of the way. Hoping for a full and speedy recovery.”

Keegan started his playing career at Scunthorpe United and made almost 600 league appearances for six separate clubs, also representing Southampton and Blacktown City in Australia.

After retiring, Keegan almost led Newcastle to the Premier League title in 1995-96 during his first managerial role, having saved the club from relegation to the third tier before taking them up to the top flight.

After another promotion with Fulham, Keegan took over the England role but resigned in October 2000 following a World Cup qualifying loss to Germany. A four-year stint at Manchester City followed, before an emotional but ultimately ill-fated return to Newcastle in 2008 under Mike Ashley’s ownership.