How brave Kevin Keegan faced stage four cancer battle with cheeky sense of humour before tragic death aged 75

BRAVE Keegan tragically revealed he had stage four cancer just weeks before he died – but kept up his famous sense of humour. The Newcastle and Liverpool legend had battled stomach cancer since January but close pal Peter Graves today announced he has passed away. Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75 Credit: Getty He had suffered with stomach cancer since January Credit: Getty Keegan, 75, was admitted to hospital earlier this year, revealing to fans that he was receiving treatment. Following a car accident, Keegan needed to have an operation, and it was during scans conducted by doctors that his cancer was discovered. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! His family also shared that Kevin had been experiencing abdominal issues, which was explained by the stomach cancer diagnosis. Stage four cancer is the most advanced stage of cancer that means the disease has spread to other parts of the body. A statement released at the time 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 Keegan in 1984 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd In June, Kevin opened up about the terrible diagnosis for the first time Credit: Getty “Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care.” In June, Kevin opened up about the terrible diagnosis for the first time, and said he wanted to say a “proper goodbye” to his beloved football club. Most read in Sport Speaking with Peter Graves at the Tyne Theatre, Kevin shared how he had discussed treatment with doctor at the time of the diagnosis. He said: “They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got. Which is stage four cancer. Keegan in his Liverpool FC football kit in 1975 Credit: Getty Kevin Keegan speaking at a conference 2024 Credit: Alamy “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.” Speaking about a cheeky quip he made, Keegan added: “I asked the consultant what his success rate was… He said, ‘About three out of 10’. “I said to him if he was a striker and he only scored three times out of 10 I’d drop him. But so far, whatever he did to me, it’s working.” The two time Ballon d’Or winner also described a meeting with a doctor about his treatment. He said: “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. “So I went to meet him. He’s a Liverpool supporter so I knew I wouldn’t walk alone. “He said, ‘Kevin, this new treatment, I’ve got a tremendous strike rate’. I said, ‘What’s your strike rate?’ “He said, ’33 per cent’. I thought it would be 80 per cent, 90 per cent. 33 per cent! “I’m still here at the moment.” During another moment at the theatre, Keegan told the audience: “I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left (Newcastle United) last time…” After the event, the beloved ex-footballer received a standing ovation. The football 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. Keegan scored 49 goals in 85 appearances for the club as a player. And as a manager, he is famous for his “I would love it if we beat them” rant at Sir Alex Ferguson. Following his tragic death, his close friend Peter Graves wrote a heartbreaking tribute 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.” 1 comment1