England legend Kevin Keegan dies aged 75 after cancer battle

England legend Kevin Keegan has died aged 75. The former Three Lions and Newcastle manager’s family revealed he was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer in January after being admitted to hospital with ongoing abdominal problems.

Keegan – who was last pictured in good spirits in June with pals Pete Graves and Sam Allardyce during the World Cup – has now sadly passed away surrounded by his loved ones, it has been confirmed.

In a heart-breaking tribute, Graves wrote this afternoon: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

“The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

“Kevin, a double Ballon D’or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather.

“The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support.

“This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.”

Appearing at the Tyne Theatre in May in An Evening with Kevin Keegan, hosted by Graves, the star had dealt with his harrowing battle with a cheeky sense of humour.

The forward – dubbed Mighty Mouse – had also vowed to “say goodbye” properly to his beloved Newcastle at the club stadium St James’ Park.

He said: “I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left (Newcastle United) last time…”

The two-time Ballon d’Or winner also described a meeting with a doctor about his treatment.

Keegan added: “They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got. Which is stage four cancer.

“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 told the audience: “I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left (Newcastle United) last time…”

In January, his family and Newcastle revealed in a statement that the Liverpool icon would be undergoing treatment for his condition.

It read: “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.”

It comes after Norway manager Stale Solbakken sent his best wishes to his “big hero” Keegan during the pre-match press conference for his nation’s World Cup quarter final earlier this month.

Thefootball legend is widely regarded as one of the greatest England players of all time.

He has won three First Division Championships, two UEFA Cups, one FA Cup and a European Cup in his playing career at Liverpool.

He also won the Ballon d’Or twice – the only Englishman to ever achieve this.

As a manager, he is famous for his “I would love it if we beat them” rant at Sir Alex Ferguson.

It came before hisNewcastle side threw away a 13-point lead and lost the Premier League title to Man Utd in 1996.

After quitting as Newcastle manager in 2008, the adopted Geordie vowed never to return to St James’ Park while Mike Ashley remained.

The ex-England boss spent two seasons on Tyneside as a player before so nearly landing the Magpies’first league title since 1927 as manager in 1996.

Ashley brought him back in 2008 but they went on to have a bitter falling-out over the club’s transfer policy.

Their feud came as Keegan took charge ofNewcastlefor a second time in 2008, but lasted only 22 games.

Keegan insisted he would only go back to St James’ Park once the unpopular Sports Direct tycoon had gone.

He had previously managed the Magpies for five years between 1992-97, in what was their most successful spell in recent history.

Keegan scored 49 goals in 85 appearances for the club as a player.

He went on to take them from the brink of relegation to the third tier to the Prem in just two seasons as a manager.

He also led the club to two consecutive second place finishes and a Uefa Cup quarter final, almost beating Manchester United to the title in 1996.

Keegan then took on managing England manager as the full-time replacement for Glenn Hoddle in 1999.

His first game in charge saw the Three Lions run out 3-1 winners over Poland in the Euro 2000 qualifying group.

The goals came via a hat-trick from Manchester United‘s Paul Scholes.

The midfielder’s feat was England’s first hat-trick from a player since Ian Wright scored four against San Marino in 1993.

Keegan’s teams included legendary players such as Alan Shearer as captain, David Beckham, Sol Campbell, Gary Neville and David Seaman.

He also handed debuts to Tim Sherwood and Ray Parlour.

England were only able to qualify for Euro 2000 via a playoff win over Scotland.

At the tournament, the Three Lions were unable to advance to the quarter-finals as they lost two of three group games.

Keegan resigned from the role in October 2000 after losing to Germany in their first 2002 World Cup qualifier.

That match was also the final game to be played at the old Wembley before it was rebuilt.

 In 1991, the football icon was attacked while sleeping in his car next to the M25 in Surrey.

He was beaten unconscious with a baseball bat and robbed in the car park.

The pundit had stopped for a nap during a long drive back from his Spanish villa.

Keegan managed to flag down a passing motorist to call the police, and had to get four stitches on his scalp when he finally got to hospital.

The football legend, who has an OBE, was married to Jean, who he met at 19, and he leaves behind two daughters, Laura Jane and Sarah Marie.

“King Kev” married Jean in 1974, after meeting at a Doncaster fair in 1970.

Still a teenager, he approached her – but said she had a crush on Manchester United superstar George Best.

So he chose to lie and say he worked in steelworks as to not sound “too flash”.

Keegan won her over and they married in September 1974.