Former England manager and Newcastle United legend, Kevin Keegan, has revealed that he is battling stage four cancer.
The 75-year-old football icon made the disclosure during a live appearance in Newcastle, where supporters gave him a standing ovation.
Keegan said doctors discovered the cancer while carrying out scans after he was involved in a car accident that required surgery.
Keegan says cancer was found after car accident
Speaking to the audience, Keegan explained that the diagnosis came unexpectedly while doctors were preparing him for treatment following the accident.
“I was in a car accident and, through that, I had to have an operation,” he said.
“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.”
Keegan said he later met with a specialist who discussed a new treatment option with him.
According to him, the doctor told him the treatment had a 33 percent success rate.
“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,” Keegan said.
Newcastle United sends message to Keegan
Following the revelation, Newcastle United issued a statement expressing support for their 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 speaks on return to St James’ Park
During the appearance, Keegan also spoke about his admiration for current Newcastle United manager, Eddie Howe.
He also revealed his desire to return to St James’ Park, having not attended a match there since leaving the club in 2009.
Keegan remains one of the most influential figures in Newcastle United’s history.
He famously led the club’s “Entertainers” side that challenged for the Premier League title in the mid-1990s.
Kevin Keegan’s football career
Keegan enjoyed a remarkable playing career with Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United.
He won several major honours and was twice named European Footballer of the Year.
After retiring as a player, he went into management, taking charge of Newcastle United, Fulham, Manchester City and the England national team.
His family first disclosed in January that he was receiving treatment after doctors carried out further examinations into ongoing abdominal symptoms.
Since then, messages of support have continued to pour in from across the football world for one of England’s most respected football figures.
