Kevin Keegan shows up in Wales in first public appearance since cancer diagnosis
The football legend has made his first public engagement since his diagnosis was revealed in January
Football legend Kevin Keegan has made his first public appearance since it was announced earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
In January, the Liverpool and Newcastle United legend's family revealed that he had recently been admitted to hospital due to "ongoing abdominal symptoms" which later led to a diagnosis of cancer. Keegan has since stepped away from public life to undergo treatment for the disease, with a statement saying he was "grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care".
However, the 75-year-old has now attended his first public engagement since his diagnosis was revealed, travelling to Wales to attend a fundraising lunch for Rhondda Schools Rugby.
At the event, which was held at the Llanerch Vineyard Hotel in the Vale of Glamorgan, Keegan addressed his treatment and delighted attendees with stories from his career.
He also posed for a photo with former BBC Wales football correspondent Rob Phillips, who said the former England captain was "in fine form" on his return to public life.
Sharing a photo of them together on X, Phillips wrote: "Privilege to chat to the legend Kevin Keegan as part of an excellent @RSRWales fund raising lunch at @LlanerchVine.
"It was his 1st engagement since news of his illness. He was in fine form regaling stories of @LFC @NUFC & others in his stellar career. As ever, had time for all."
Affectionately known as 'King Kev', Keegan is a club legend at both Liverpool and Newcastle, winning three First Division titles and a European Cup amongst several other trophies with the former.
A two-time Ballon d'Or winner, the 63-cap England international - who also had stints with Scunthorpe United, Hamburg and Southampton - is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
He later moved into management and, at club level, took charge of Fulham and Manchester City between two stints with Newcastle.
In 1999, he succeeded Glenn Hoddle as England manager but he resigned from his post less than two years later following a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign.
The statement issued by Keegan's family in January read: "Kevin Keegan was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms.
"These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.
"Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care. During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment."