Kevin Keegan reveals heartbreaking 'goodbye' wish amid stage four cancer battle | OneFootball

English football legend, 75, was diagnosed with cancer in January after suffering ‘abdominal symptoms’

The 75-year-old first shared his cancer diagnosis in January after suffering “ongoing abdominal symptoms”.

The Three Lions legend has now told fans he has stage four cancer, the most advanced form of the disease.

“They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got. Which is stage four cancer,” he said during a public appearance at the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle, per The Mail.

“He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him. I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone, if you know what I mean."

He joked about the moment the doctor told him of his impressive strike rate against the disease.

Kevin Keegan told fans he has stage four cancer

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Keegan quipped: "I said: 'Fantastic! What is your strike-rate?' He said: '33 per cent". Oh. I thought he might say 80, maybe 90! Anyway, I am still here at the moment…"

The football legend also revealed he wants to return to St James' Park - home of Newcastle, the club he twice managed - for the first time since leaving his managerial post in 2008.

Keegan said he wanted to wave to the crowd prior to a game if possible, pointing out he did not previously get the chance to do so when he left.

“I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left the club last time," he told the crowd.

Keegan's family said in a statement in January: "Kevin Keegan was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms.

"These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.

"Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care. During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment."

Keegan (pictured in 1979) was diagnosed with the disease in January

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Keegan started his career at Scunthorpe before being signed for Liverpool by Bill Shankly in 1971, going on to win the First Division title three times as well as the FA Cup, the UEFA Cup twice and the 1977 European Cup.

He was twice named European Footballer of the Year while at German club Hamburg and returned to England to play for Southampton and Newcastle before retiring as a player in 1984.

He won 63 England caps, scoring 21 goals, playing at the 1982 World Cup and was also later captain of the national team.

In 1992, Keegan made his first step into management at his former club Newcastle, guiding them into the Premier League and to within touching distance of the 1995/96 title only to miss out to Manchester United.

Kevin Keegan wants to return to St James’ Park to ‘say goodbye’

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After leaving St James' Park in January 1997, a brief stint at Fulham followed before he became England manager in 1999, having initially taken on the job following Glenn Hoddle's departure.

Having overseen a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign, Keegan resigned on the back of defeat by Germany at Wembley Stadium, the last match at the national stadium before it was rebuilt.

A spell at Manchester City followed, but Keegan left the club in March 2005, initially announcing his retirement from football.

Keegan made an emotional return to Newcastle in 2008, but only lasted eight months following tensions with the board and owner Mike Ashley.