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Alan Hansen, the legendary ex Liverpool and Scottish defender, is seriously ill in hospital.
Liverpool confirmed the sad news on Sunday afternoon and provide support to the family of the 68-year-old, who retired in 1991 to embark on a highly successful career as a television pundit.
“The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital,” read a statement. “The club is currently in contact with Alan’s family to support us at this difficult time and our thoughts, wishes and hopes are with Alan and the entire Hansen family.”
“We will provide any further updates as we receive them in a timely manner and ask that the Hansen family’s privacy be respected at this time.”
Hansen joined Liverpool from Partick Thistle in 1977 and won three European Cups, eight league titles, two FA Cups and three League Cups in 620 appearances for the Anfield club. ‘Jockey’ also won 26 caps for his country and played at the 1982 World Cup in Spain after making his international debut in 1979 and is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs of his generation, combining excellent strength, speed and awareness with supreme composure in and out of possession.
After hanging up his boots, Hansen became a regular on the BBC, appearing on Match of the Day as well as the broadcaster’s live shows, establishing himself as a hugely respected and charismatic voice in the game. In this role, however, he is perhaps best known for declaring that “you can’t win anything with children” following Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat by Aston Villa on the opening day of the 1995-96 Premier League season and after Alex Ferguson fielded a squad featuring a host of raw, young talent including Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and from the bench David Beckham. United managed to win the double this season.
Hansen retired as an expert in May 2014 and has largely lived a quiet life ever since. He is married and has two children. Posting on X, Gary Lineker wrote: “Terrible news. Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family.’
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