Kevin Keegan has revealed he is battling stage four cancer, the most advanced stage of the disease, but says he is responding well to treatment. The 75-year-old former England international disclosed the full details over the weekend, having first been diagnosed in January.
Keegan made his first public appearances since the diagnosis on Friday and Sunday, speaking at two events in King's Lynn and Newcastle. He told The Times that the cancer was discovered during a scan following a car accident, and that he has an 'absolute top doctor' for his condition.
The football legend has had a difficult time in recent months, including being the subject of a cruel hoax that falsely claimed he had only days to live. Sky Sports presenter Pete Graves confirmed Keegan is 'feeling a lot better' and 'responding well to treatment', though he is 'not out of the woods yet'.
Keegan's family first announced his cancer diagnosis in January, saying he had been admitted to hospital for 'further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms'. His former clubs, Newcastle United and Liverpool, have both issued statements of support.
Keegan began his career at Scunthorpe before joining Liverpool in 1971, winning three First Division titles, two UEFA Cups, the FA Cup and the 1977 European Cup. He also won the Ballon d'Or twice while at Hamburg, and later managed Newcastle, Fulham, England and Manchester City.
