Legendary Match of the Day star 'seriously ill' in hospital
Former Liverpool and Scotland defender Alan Hansen is seriously unwell and being treated in hospital.
Liverpool FC confirmed the news on Sunday 9 June and sent out the following statement: “The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital. 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.”
Alan, 68, joined Liverpool in 1977 and made 620 appearances for the club. During that time Alan won countless matches including three European Cups and two FA Cups. Alan was nicknamed ‘Jockey’ and also played at the 1982 World Cup in Spain.
Alan retired from football in 1991 due to injury. But his career continued as he then became a regular presenter on the BBC’s Match of the Day before leaving his job 10 years ago to spend time with his family.
Hansen's former Match of the Day colleague Gary Lineker wrote on X: "Horrendous news. Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family."
Hansen retired from our screens and moved away from the limelight at the end of the 2013/14 campaign.
At the time Alan said: "The guys at the BBC know me and I said, ‘Look, this is categorical. I’m leaving and nothing will make me change my mind’. I am contracted to do the World Cup and I will do that as it will be a good way to go out, but I have had a great run.
"’I've been in football for 41 years and I’m going out right at the top, just as I did at Liverpool," he added.
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, subsequently revealed last year that ‘crippling nerves’ played a part in the legendary defender ending his punditry career.
“He was incredibly nervous, which is why he quit. He got so nervous. He used to shuffle his feet on the floor.
"He was probably the first person that went down the more analytic route, a path now followed by so many. He was a brilliant pundit."
