Kevin Keegan latest: Family release emotional statement as Liverpool and Newcastle icon dies after cancer diagnosis – UK Times

“One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies & goals galore, double Ballon d’Or winner shows he was an absolute giant of the English game.

“One of the most important men in making Liverpool Football Club what it is today.”

His England career, however, was affected by the side’s inability to qualify for tournaments, and injury. Keegan earned 63 caps for the national side, scoring 21 goals and captained the team on 31 occasions until his international retirement after the 1982 World Cup.

But that career amounted to just one World Cup appearance, for 26 minutes as England were knocked out by Spain in 1982, with the forward dealing with a back injury that prevented him featuring in the group stages.

He was appointed England manager in February 1999. He memorably resigned after defeat at the hands of Germany in the last match played at the old Wembley, resigning five minutes after the match after just 20 months in charge.

“Liverpool FC is deeply saddened and mourning the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan.

“The former Reds No.7, who appeared 323 times and scored 100 goals for the club across six seasons, died at the age of 75 on Monday after being diagnosed with cancer last year.

“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Kevin’s family and friends at this hugely difficult time.

“One of just four Englishmen to win the Ballon d’Or, Keegan also represented Scunthorpe United, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United during a playing career in which he was regarded as a hero wherever he went.

Keegan was a popular figure as manager at Man City from 2001-2005.

“Everyone at Manchester City is devastated to learn our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away, aged 75.

“Kevin was a transformative manager who brought optimism and vibrancy to City during his four-year spell in charge.

“The promotion campaign in 2001/02 will never be forgotten, and Kevin then established us once again as a top Premier League side in the years that followed.

“Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

In 1971, Keegan had caught the eye of Liverpool’s chief scout Geoff Twentyman, and he was signed by Bill Shankly for a reported figure of £35,000, having scored 18 goals in 124 appearances in the midfield for Scunthorpe.

Shankly cultivated Keegan’s talent, reportedly telling him after just three days of training at Melwood “you will play for England”, something that in fact happened only the following year when Keegan made his debut against Wales at Cardiff.

Keegan joined Liverpool at a time Shankly was cultivating what would become one of the dominant forces in European football, and when he left in 1978 for Hamburg there were not many pieces of silverware the club had not lifted.

In his 230 appearances for the club and 68 goals, Keegan had three league titles, two Uefa cups, one FA Cup, and one European cup, won in his final season, and under Shankly’s successor, Paisley.

Keegan played for Southampton 68 times, scoring 37 goals, from 1980-1982.

“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan. Kevin signed for the club in 1980 as the holder of the Ballon d’Or and brought great joy to fans at The Dell and across the football world.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

• Most revered for his feats as a manager at Newcastle and as a player at Liverpool, Keegan forged a successful career that included three First Division titles, one FA Cup, one European Cup, and two Uefa Cups as well as two Bundesliga titles between the years of 1968 and 1984.
• He won two Ballon d’Ors in 1978 and 1979.
• Keegan’s traits as a forward was founded on his pace and ability with the ball, and he formed a formidable strike partnership with John Toshack, and was at the heart of Liverpool’s prosperous side in the 1970s under Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.
• As a manager, Keegan took Newcastle from the second tier into the Premier League and to their best-ever second finish, earning the nickname ‘King Kev’, and signed some of the club’s most iconic players, including Alan Shearer.
• Aside from an iconic 1970’s bubble perm, Keegan is arguably best known for his “I will love it” rant from 1996, when he took the bait and publicly criticised Sir Alex Ferguson’s comments, although Manchester United had the last laugh when they went on to win the league title, with the Magpies finishing second.

“Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe. He understood our people. He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.

“Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.

“At this profoundly sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin’s wife Jean, his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

“Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant of our history, and at the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy.

“Rest in peace, King Kev.”

The club he was most revered as a player and a manager, Newcastle United have released a statement:

“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.

“Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.

“As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.

“As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world. He was so much more than an Entertainer…