Football
Gary Lineker and Jamie Carragher lead messages of support to Alan Hansen
Liverpool legend Alan Hansen is seriously ill in hospital and has seen an outpouring of support to him and his following after his former club released a statement on his health
Gary Lineker and Jamie Carragher are among Alan Hansen’s well-wishers after the Liverpool legend was revealed to be seriously ill in hospital.
The former Scotland international and Reds defender played at Anfield for 14 years and won eight league titles and three European cups. The Liverpool icon captained the side and lifted 23 trophies in all during his time at the club.
The Reds released a statement on Hansen’s condition and gave their support to the 68-year-old and his family. The news sparked a great deal of messages with the former Match of the Day pundit in people’s thoughts.
After retiring in 1991, Hansen became a face of the football media and spent 22 years as BBC ’s main pundit. The broadcasting icon was credited for changing the way football was analysed, and worked closely with Lineker for more than a decade on the programme.
Ex-Tottenham striker Lineker said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Horrendous news. Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family.” Former Liverpool defender Carragher reacted to the club’s statement on X with their handle followed by the fingers crossed emoji and a heart emoji.
Liverpool’s statement read: “The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital.
“A defender of the utmost elegance, Hansen’s outstanding raft of honours across a 14-year spell with the Reds – he joined from Partick Thistle in 1977 – included eight league titles, three European Cups, two FA Cups and three League Cups.
“‘Jocky’, as he was known by teammates, is in the top 10 for all-time appearances for the club having played 620 matches, and the Scottish centre-back also served as Liverpool skipper for four seasons.
“The club is currently in contact with Alan’s family to provide our support at this difficult time, and our thoughts, wishes and hopes are with Alan and all of the Hansen family.
“We will provide any further updates as we receive them in due course, and we request that the Hansen family’s privacy is respected at this time.”
Hansen’s former teammate John Aldridge sent his best wishes. The former striker’s message said: “All our thoughts has ex lfc players are with Alan (Jockey) Hansen and his family. Let’s hope he can pull through his illness.”
John Terry, Virgil van Dijk and Jordan Henderson each sent heart emojis in response to Liverpool’s release of the statement on Instagram.
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