Top News

Sir Kenny Dalglish, one of the most iconic and influential figures in Liverpool Football Club’s history, has announced that he is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

The 75-year-old former player and manager shared that he had intended to keep the matter private but accidentally disclosed the news through a social media post.

“As my unintentional social media post suggested, I am presently receiving treatment for cancer,” Dalglish said in a statement released on Tuesday.

He added humorously, “Unlike my handling of mobile phones, the treatment is progressing well. Ideally, I would have preferred to keep this private, as that’s how it should be, but my poor technological skills have exposed it.”

Dalglish further said, “I never intended to make this public, so I kindly ask that the privacy of my family and myself be respected.”

Expressing gratitude, he continued, “As always, I am deeply thankful to the incredible medical staff for their exceptional care and professionalism, not only for me but for countless others. They truly are a credit to themselves.”

In an official statement, Liverpool Football Club said that “the support, best wishes, and love of everyone at Liverpool” are with Dalglish and his family during this time.

The club also reinforced his wish for privacy, stating, “Liverpool would like to reiterate Sir Kenny’s request for privacy going forward.”

The news about Dalglish’s health follows just a day after it was reported that Kevin Keegan, whom Dalglish succeeded at Liverpool in 1977, has been diagnosed with stage-four cancer.

During his illustrious playing career, Dalglish captured six English league titles and three European Cups for Liverpool, amassing 515 appearances and scoring 172 goals for the Reds.

Appointed as player-manager in 1985, he guided Liverpool to even greater heights, securing the league and FA Cup double in 1986 and adding further league triumphs in 1988 and 1990.

Dalglish also played a pivotal role in leading Liverpool through the tragic Hillsborough disaster in 1989. Alongside his wife, Marina, he provided immense support to the families affected and helped raise over £10 million for charitable causes.

In recognition of his contributions to football, charity, and the city of Liverpool, Dalglish was knighted in 2018. A year earlier, in 2017, Liverpool renamed the Centenary Stand at Anfield as the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand in his honour.

Born in Glasgow in 1951, Dalglish joined Liverpool from Celtic for a British record transfer fee at the time, after winning four Scottish league titles and four Scottish Cups with the Hoops.

Dalglish remains Scotland’s all-time record appearance holder, having earned 102 caps and scoring 30 goals for his country between 1971 and 1986.