Kevin Keegan shares stage four cancer update as Newcastle offer support

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Kevin Keegan, the former manager of England and Newcastle United, has said publicly that he is living with stage four cancer.

His family had announced in January that doctors found the illness after he was taken into hospital to check persistent abdominal problems. Keegan, now 75, gave a further account of his condition while appearing over the weekend at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle.

"They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got, which is stage four cancer," Keegan said, according to comments carried by the Daily Mail. "He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him."

Newcastle, who play in the Premier League, issued public support to Keegan and his relatives, sending their "heartfelt support and warmest wishes". In a post on X, 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."

Bill Shankly brought Keegan to Liverpool in 1971. During his years at Anfield, Keegan helped the club win three English league championships and the European Cup in 1977.

The forward moved to Hamburg in 1977, and while with the German side he was named European footballer of the year twice. He later went back to England, where he represented Southampton and Newcastle.

For England, Keegan earned 63 caps, scored 21 times and wore the captain's armband. As a coach, he had two spells in charge of Newcastle and also managed Fulham, Manchester City and the England national team.

At the weekend appearance, Keegan said he hopes to go back to St James' Park for a farewell. "I want to say goodbye," he said. "I didn't get the chance when I left the club last time."