Liverpool legend Alan Hansen 'seriously ill in hospital' as Anfield club release emotional statement
Alan Hansen has been taken to hospital
GETTY
Former Match of the Day presenter and Liverpool icon Alan Hansen is currently in hospital, the club have announced.
Hansen is regarded as one of Liverpool's greatest ever players having won eight league titles and three European Cups.
He cost Liverpool £100,000 back in 1977 and sits 10th on the club's all-time appearance list having played 620 times for the Anfield outfit.
Hansen retired from football in 1991 and rejected going into management and turned his attention to punditry work.
Alan Hansen has been taken to hospital
GETTY
The Scottish football icon went on to work with Match of the Day for 22 years before stepping away after the 2014 World Cup.
Liverpool announced Hansen's health condition in a statement on their official website.
Their statement read: "The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital.
"A defender of the utmost elegance, Hansen’s outstanding raft of honours across a 14-year spell with the Reds – he joined from Partick Thistle in 1977 – included eight league titles, three European Cups, two FA Cups and three League Cups.
"‘Jocky’, as he was known by teammates, is in the top 10 for all-time appearances for the club having played 620 matches, and the Scottish centre-back also served as Liverpool skipper for four seasons.
"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."
Everton were among those to post messages of support online following Liverpool's statement.
Alan Hansen gave Sir Kenny Dalglish the Lifetime achievement award
PA
The Toffees replied: "Get well soon, Alan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones."
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher posted a crossed-fingers emoji along with a love heart.
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Alan Hansen is one of Liverpool's greatest-ever players
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Gary Lineker wrote: "Horrendous news. Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family."
Hansen was in attendance at the 2023 Sports Personality of the Year awards where he handed Sir Kenny Dalglish the Lifetime Achievement award.
The former team-mates shared a warm embrace on stage with Dalglish visibly emotional.