England, Liverpool and Newcastle legend Kevin Keegan dies aged 75 after cancer battle
Footballing icon Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75, his family have confirmed.
The former Liverpool and Newcastle striker, who is the only British player to have won the Ballon D'or award twice, announced in January that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer.
"It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75," a statement issued to Sky Sports from Keegan's family read.
"The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.
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"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."
King Kev, as he was affectionally known, retired from playing at 33 after representing Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Newcastle, Southampton and Hamburg, before starting his managerial career with Newcastle United, where he came extremely close to pipping Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United side to the title in 1995/96.
His iconic interview, where he jabbed his finger at the camera and said 'I would love it if we beat them', is still a staple sentence uttered in pubs and football grounds around the country every weekend.
Having played 63 times for England and captained the national side, he would step into the dugout between February 1999 and October 2000, but endured a difficult time in charge of the Three Lions.
He later managed Manchester City but announced his retirement in 2005, until he was tempted back for one last dance by his beloved Newcastle United.
However, a public spat with controversial owner Mike Ashley ensured that didn't end well, and he took a back seat from football after leaving the Toon in 2008.
Keegan moved to Spain with his family, his wife Jean who he married in 1974 and their two daughters Sarah and Laura.
The 'Mighty Mouse' as he was also affectionally known, will undoubtedly go down as one of the best British players in football history and will be greatly missed by his family and fans of the clubs who were lucky enough to have him as a player.
A Newcastle United statement read: "Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.
"Kevin's impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him."
Topics: Football, Premier League
James Moorhouse