Ex-England coach Keegan shares cancer fight

Former England coach and Newcastle United star Kevin Keegan has opened up about his battle with stage four cancer. This news comes months after his family revealed that he was getting treatment for the illness.

As reported by BBC Sport on Monday, the 75-year-old made this announcement during a live event in Newcastle. He received a warm standing ovation from fans at the event.

Keegan shared that doctors found the cancer after he had a car accident that needed surgery. He explained, "I was in a car accident and, through that, I had to have an operation."

"Whilst having the scan for the operation, they found out I had cancer. They said they had an absolute top doctor for fighting what you have got, which is stage four cancer," he added.

Later, Keegan met with a specialist who talked about a new treatment option. He said, "He said, ‘Kevin, this new treatment, I’ve got a tremendous strike rate’. I said, ‘What’s your strike rate?’ He said, ‘33%.’ I thought it would be 80%, 90%. 33%! I’m still here at the moment."

Keegan had a fantastic playing career with Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, and Newcastle United. He won many awards and was named European Footballer of the Year twice. After playing, he managed Newcastle, Fulham, Manchester City, and the England national team.

He is one of the key figures in Newcastle United’s history. Keegan led the club’s famous “Entertainers” team that fought for the Premier League title in the mid-1990s.

During his talk, Keegan also praised current Newcastle manager Eddie Howe. He expressed his wish to return to St James’ Park, having not been there since he left the club in 2009.

After the news broke, Newcastle United released a statement showing support for Keegan. The club said, "Kevin holds a unique and cherished place in the history of Newcastle United, and in the hearts of our supporters."

"Everyone at the club is behind Kevin and sends strength and best wishes to him and his family for the journey ahead."

Keegan’s family first revealed in January that he was getting treatment after doctors ran tests on ongoing stomach issues. Since then, many tributes and messages of support have come in from all over the football world for one of England’s most respected football figures.