Liverpool legend Alan Hansen is currently hospitalized and in critical condition. The former Liverpool and Scotland defender, who also had a successful 20-year stint as a pundit on Match of the Day, was unexpectedly taken ill and admitted to a hospital near his home in Southport.
On Sunday, Gary Lineker, Hansen’s former MOTD host, took to Twitter to express his concern, stating: “Horrendous news. My thoughts are with Alan, Janet, and their entire family.”
Hansen joined Liverpool in 1977 from Partick Thistle for £100,000. During his illustrious 14-year career with the club, he won eight league titles and three European Cups. The 68-year-old made 620 appearances for Liverpool and captained the team for four seasons. He also represented Scotland on 26 occasions.
Gary Lineker (left) expressed his support for his former Match of the Day colleague
Liverpool released an official statement, saying: “The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain, Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in the hospital. A graceful defender, Hansen’s impressive list of honors during his 14-year stint with the Reds includes eight league titles, three European Cups, two FA Cups, and three League Cups.”
The statement further added, “The club is in contact with Alan’s family to offer our support during this challenging time. Our thoughts, wishes, and hopes are with Alan and the entire Hansen family. We kindly request that their privacy be respected.”
Hansen played under four different Liverpool managers and won league titles with each of them. He was the last Liverpool captain to lift the league title in 1990 before Jordan Henderson repeated the feat three decades later. Hansen retired in 1991 due to a knee injury and later formed a dynamic duo with his former Liverpool partner, Mark Lawrenson, on Match of the Day. Hansen eventually stepped away from the public eye in 2014.
Lawrenson took to social media to send his well wishes, writing, “Come on Big Al – you can beat this – Love to Janet, Adam, Lucy, and the entire family.”
Liverpool shared an update on Hansen’s condition via their social media channels on Sunday
Well-known figures from the football world, including former Crystal Palace striker Mark Bright, Everton FC, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, and ex-Chelsea captain John Terry, have all expressed their support and sent their best wishes to Hansen and his family.