Alan Shearer has hailed Kevin Keegan and Sir Kenny Dalglish as ‘superb men’ in the wake of their cancer diagnoses. The Newcastle icon confirmed his battle with the disease earlier this year.
“Kevin was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms,” his family said in a statement. “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.”
That news was followed by former Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers boss Dalglish announcing his own diagnosis. Writing on social media after an ‘inadvertent’ post, he said: “I am currently undergoing treatment for cancer. Unlike my mobile phone use, the treatment is going well.
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“Ideally, this would have remained private because that’s the way it should be, but my useless technology skills have forced my hand. Obviously I did not mean to make this matter public so I would appreciate it if the privacy of my family and myself are respected.
“As ever, thank you to the wonderful medical staff who have shown incredible care and discretion, not just for me but for many, many others. They are a credit to themselves.”
Shearer has now spoken out with a touching tribute to the duo. Speaking to Betfair, he said: “Both Sir Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan had incredible careers, and I was lucky enough to work with both of them.
“Kenny, first of all, from ’92 to ’96 at Blackburn; I became a great friend of his, and he was unbelievable. And obviously Kevin when I signed in ’96 and when he was England manager.
View 2 ImagesShearer played under Dalglish at both Blackburn and Newcastle(Image: Getty Images)
“If you try to forget about football for a moment, they are two great blokes who would do anything for you. All we can do is wish them as well as possible and hope for a speedy recovery, because they’re superb men first and foremost.”
Shearer made 162 appearances under Dalglish during his careers with Blackburn and Newcastle, scoring 110 goals. The former striker also played under Keegan during his time at St James’ Park, where he made 25 appearances and scored a further 17 goals. Shearer also played under Keegan with the England national team, scoring eight goals in 16 caps under his watch.
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