HSV icon Keegan battles cancer: ‘For now, I’m still here’ | OneFootball

There is great concern for Kevin Keegan. The HSV icon publicly revealed that he is suffering from advanced-stage cancer.

During an appearance before an audience at a theater in Newcastle, the 75-year-old recently spoke about his diagnosis for the first time. According to him, the illness was discovered rather by chance. “I had a car accident and had to undergo surgery because of it,” Keegan said. “During the examination for the operation, they discovered that I have cancer. They said they had an absolute top doctor for the treatment of what I have — Stage IV cancer,” said the former world-class player.

According to Keegan, his treating doctor estimates his chances of recovery at 33 percent. That assessment surprised him. “I thought it was 80 or 90 percent,” the Englishman explained. Despite the serious situation, he remains defiant. “But for now, I’m still here,” Keegan told the audience.

Back in January, his family had already made public that he had been diagnosed with cancer. At the time, there was talk of persistent abdominal pain. No further details about the illness were disclosed.

Photo: IMAGO

HSV legend Hrubesch: “I love this man”

Keegan is considered one of the greatest figures in HSV history. Between 1977 and 1980, the Englishman played for the Rothosen and led the club to the German championship in 1979. During that time, he also won the Ballon d’Or twice as Europe’s Footballer of the Year. He also left a lasting mark at Liverpool FC, with whom he won numerous titles, and later at Newcastle United.

The news of his illness sparked a strong wave of sympathy. Particularly moving words came from his former HSV teammate Horst Hrubesch. “I love this man. He is one of my role models,” Hrubesch made clear to Bild in January, adding that he wanted to visit Keegan in England as soon as his health allowed it.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.