Liverpool have passed on their support to Alan Hansen and his family, with the legendary defender âseriously illâ in hospital.
In a statement on Liverpoolâs official website, the club said they would provide further updates on Hansenâs condition in âdue courseâ and requested that fans respect the familyâs privacy.
The 68-year-old former centre-back captained Liverpool between 1985 and 1990 and helped the Reds win eight league titles, three European Cups, two FA Cups and three League Cups during an illustrious 14-year spell on Merseyside.
After bringing an end to his playing days, the Scotland international, who started his professional career with Partick Thistle, established himself as one of the most high-profile pundits in the English game while working on the BBCâs Match of the Day programme for 22 years.
âThe thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital,â a statement on Liverpoolâs official website read this afternoon.
âThe club is currently in contact with Alanâs family to provide our support at this difficult time, and our thoughts, wishes and hopes are with Alan and all of the Hansen family.
âWe will provide any further updates as we receive them in due course, and we request that the Hansen familyâs privacy is respected at this time.â
Reacting to the news on X, formerly known as Twitter, Gary Lineker said his thoughts were with Hansen and the family of his long-time Match of the Day colleague.
âHorrendous news. Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family,â Lineker tweeted.
Everton put club rivalry to one side as they sent their support to Hansen and his loved ones.
âGet well soon, Alan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones,â Everton tweeted in response to Liverpoolâs statement.
In 2014, Hansen retired from punditry duty on Match of the Day, with the Scot saying he had enjoyed a âgreat runâ after working on the programme for over two decades.
âThe guys at the BBC know me and I said, âLook, this is categorical. Iâm leaving and nothing will make me change my mindâ,â Hansen said at the time.
âI am contracted to do the 2014 World Cup and I will do that as it will be a good way to go out, but I have had a great run.
âIâve been in football for 41 years and Iâm going out right at the top, just as I did at Liverpool.â
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