Alan Hansen: The football player and pundit ‘seriously ill in hospital’ confirms Liverpool Football Club

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It was revealed over the weekend of 8 June 2024 that former Liverpool and Scotland defender Alan Hansen was ‘seriously ill’ and in the hospital. The player-turned-pundit for the BBC was born in 1955 and marked the football world both on and off the pitch.The worrying announcement was made by his former club, Liverpool FC.

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The Liverpool FC announcement about Alan Hansen

Taking to X on 9 June 2024, Liverpool FC took football fans by surprise with their post. The statement shared said:

The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital.

Adding,

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.

The statement as well as the press coverage did not offer any other information about what the former defender could be suffering from or how long he’s been in the hospital.

Concerns about Alan Hansen

Following the news, many of his former teammates and friends shared their thoughts and concerns.

On 14 June, Scots legend Graeme Souness asked people to say a prayer for Hansen as he revealed the former defender is in the ‘fight of his life.’ According to Daily Record, Souness spoke to Hansen’s wife Janet and hinted that he’s in a critical health condition currently. Speaking on talkSPORT, the 71-year-old said:

I spoke to his wife, Janet, a couple of days ago and you can imagine what state she's in.

I, like every person who comes across him or listens to him on the television, say a little prayer for him. He is one of life's good guys. Please god, we're all saying a prayer for him that he gets through this.

Souness emphasised that Hansen is a beautiful and kind human inside out. Labelling him as a ‘strange breed’ he shared that his chat and banter are ‘top class’ and he’s a pleasure to be around.

The former Scottish player added:

He’s in the fight of his life right now and we should all say a little prayer for him.

Gary Lineker paid an emotional tribute to Alan Hansen

Gary Lineker also paid a very emotional tribute to his former Match of the Day co-host Alan Hansen. During the BBC's live broadcast of Italy's Euro 2024 opener against Albania, he shared an emotional message with the viewers, as reported by MailOnline. Taking a moment in between the match, Lineker said:

It's been a tough week for everyone associated with Match of the Day.

Talking to his co-host Alan Shearer, he added:

The news that Alan Hansen was seriously ill in hospital shocked us all, didn't it Alan?

The former Newcastle striker also shared Lineker’s emotions and added that Hansen is a ‘fighter’ who would soon come out of it all. Lineker took the opportunity to pay a very emotional tribute to his friend. He said:

Everyone at Match of the Day sends love and thoughts to Janet, Lucy and Adam and the grandchildren.

Hansen loved playing golf in his pastime and Lineker used it to send the most emotional message to him. Lineker added:

To use an analogy of Alan's favourite pastime, golf, he might be three down with four to play, but if anyone can come back from it, it's Alan. I've never known a more competitive person in my life. We're all with you big Al.

Most recent updates on Alan Hansen

Fortunately, on 17 June, Graeme Souness once again shared an update with the public and it was very positive. According to Sky News, Souness recently talked to Hansen over the phone and the 68-year-old was apparently in a better condition. He said:

He's definitely on the way back because he did nothing but take the mick out of me, so he's definitely on the way back

On 19 October, Hansen was seen in great shape as he visited his old club Partick Thistle with his brother John. It has also been reported that he has been spotted resuming his daily life activities and hobbies like golfing.

Alan Hansen's memorable moments on and off the pitch

Alan Hansen’s career has taken him from football pitches, to golf courses as well as TV sets.

From football to golf and back to football

As the news about his health is leaving people surprised, many are taking this as an opportunity to reminisce about the man. Throughout the years, Hansen has lived many lives.

As stated above, the man was born in 1955 in Sauchie, Scotland. His career started off with a few hiccups. Indeed, though we all know he became a veteran football player, that was not his initial intention. According to reports, Hansen wanted to play golf professionally. He even turned down a professional football career because it would have prevented him from playing golf.

However, he quickly changed his mind. He joined Patrick Thistle and played for the Scottish team between 1973 and 1977. He then transferred to Liverpool in 1977 until 1991. During his professional football career, Hensen earned 26 caps for the Scottish national team.

An opinionated pundit

After he retired from professional football, Alan Hansen joined Match of the Day on BBC. He co-hosted the show from 1992 until 2014. As a pundit he has made memorable appearances and statements.

The most unforgettable bit of TV involving him happened in 1995 when he was commenting on Manchester United’s defeat against Aston Villa during the first game of the season. At the time, Manchester United was filled with new players like the now-famous David Beckham. Hansen said: