By Gilbert Ekugbe
Former England manager and Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan has revealed that he is battling stage four cancer, months after his family disclosed that he had been undergoing treatment for the disease.
As reported by BBC Sport on Monday, the 75-year-old made the revelation during a live appearance in Newcastle, where he received a standing ovation from supporters attending the event.
Keegan explained that doctors discovered the cancer while carrying out scans following a car accident that required surgery.
“I was in a car accident and, through that, I had to have an operation,” he told the audience.
“Whilst having the scan for the operation, they found out I had cancer. They said they had an absolute top doctor for fighting what you have got, which is stage four cancer.”
The former England captain said he later met with a specialist who discussed a new treatment option with him.
“He said, ‘Kevin, this new treatment, I’ve got a tremendous strike rate’. I said, ‘What’s your strike rate?’ He said, ‘33%.’ I thought it would be 80%, 90%. 33%! I’m still here at the moment,” he said.
Keegan enjoyed an illustrious playing career with Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United, winning numerous honours and twice being named European Footballer of the Year. He later managed Newcastle, Fulham, Manchester City and the England national team.
One of the most influential figures in Newcastle United’s history, Keegan led the club’s famous “Entertainers” side that challenged for the Premier League title in the mid-1990s.
During his appearance, Keegan also expressed his admiration for current Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and revealed his desire to return to St James’ Park, having not attended a match there since his departure from the club in 2009.
Following the announcement, Newcastle United issued a statement expressing support for the former player and manager.
“Kevin holds a unique and cherished place in the history of Newcastle United, and in the hearts of our supporters,” the club said.
“Everyone at the club is behind Kevin and sends strength and best wishes to him and his family for the journey ahead.”
Keegan’s family first disclosed in January that he was receiving treatment after doctors conducted further examinations into ongoing abdominal symptoms. Since then, tributes and messages of support have poured in from across the football world for one of England’s most respected football figures.
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