Kevin Keegan health update as icon to make first public appearance since cancer treatment

Kevin Keegan was recently diagnosed with cancer but the 75-year-old will be back in the public eye, with the England legend due at an event in Newcastle

Kevin Keegan has undergone treatment for cancer(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

Kevin Keegan is set to make his first public appearance since having treatment for cancer in just a few weeks’ time. Keegan’s family announced in January that he’d been diagnosed with cancer after suffering from ‘abdominal symptoms’.

The former Newcastle and Liverpool star, 75, received well wishes from across the world of football, and there’s been positive news on his recovery. Sky Sports presenter Pete Graves has announced that Keegan is ‘feeling a lot better’ and will meet fans at an event in Newcastle next month.

An Audience with Kevin Keegan will take place at the Tyne Theatre on Saturday, May 31. Greaves, who’ll host the event, said: “The King is back in Newcastle in May in just five weeks at the Tyne Theatre.

“Kev has been going through a really tough time. He’s been very poorly but the great news is he has responded well to his treatment and he is feeling a lot better.

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“He is not out of the woods yet, but he is feeling strong enough to come out and see people, see his fans and tell his stories and relive wonderful memories, which he enjoys doing so much.

It is going to be an honour to host and I can’t wait to welcome him out and let him hear the cheer of all the Geordies when he gets there.”

Keegan is fondly remembered in the North East, having both played for and managed Newcastle. The forward also starred for the likes of Liverpool, Hamburg and Southampton, winning the Ballon d’Or twice.

Boasting 63 England caps, including playing at the 1982 World Cup, he later managed his country. Keegan left his role 18 months later following a 1-0 loss against Germany, the final game at the old Wembley.

 

Kevin Keegan is scheduled to return to Newcastle on May 31(Image: PA)

News of his cancer diagnosis was confirmed on January 7. His family said in a statement: “Kevin 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.”

There’ve been calls to build a statue of Keegan at St James’ Park, backed by fellow Newcastle legend Alan Shearer. “I would love it if Kevin Keegan got a statue,” Shearer told Chronicle Live.

“I think if there was ever another statue to be built at Newcastle, then it would have to be for Kevin Keegan after what he’s done for the football club.”