Messages of support flood in for Liverpool great Alan Hansen 'seriously ill' in hospital

Messages of support are pouring in for former Liverpool player and TV pundit Alan Hansen who is 'seriously ill' in hospital.

Those across the footballing world say their thoughts are with the former Liverpool and Scotland defender following the announcement by his former club.

Liverpool Football Club is supporting the family of the 68-year-old, who retired from the sport in 1991 following an injury.

A statement released by the club on Sunday 9 June 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."

Scotland and Liverpool great Alan Hansen seriously ill in hospital
Alan Hansen became a TV football pundit after retiring from the sport in 1991. Credit: Liverpool FC

“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.”

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher reacted to the club's statement on X with their handle followed by the fingers crossed emoji and a heart emoji.

Jamie Carragher sent a message of support on X. Credit: PA Images

Hansen's former teammate John Aldridge, chairman of the former players’ association Forever Reds, also sent a message of support on X.

The former Liverpool Striker said: “All our thoughts as ex-LFC players are with Alan (Jocky) Hansen and his family. Let’s hope he can pull through his illness. ynwa,” he wrote.

Another Liverpool defender, Mark Lawrenson wrote: ""Come on Big Al-you can beat this..Love to Janet, Adam, Lucy & all the family….xx"

While Liverpudlian actor and comedian Les Dennis added his support, saying: "Lovely man, and a wonderful player. Get better soon Alan."

Hansen, also known as "Jocky", began his successful career as a television pundit in 1992 until 2014.

His former Match of the Day colleague Gary Lineker wrote on X: “Horrendous news. Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family.”

Gary Lineker (left) and Alan Hansen (right). Credit: PA Images

Everton FC also sent a message of support to the football legend on X which read: "Get well soon, Alan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones."

The BBC’s Match of the Day X account said: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Match of the Day are with Alan and his family at this difficult time.”

Hansen joined Liverpool from Partick Thistle in 1977 and won three European Cups, eight league titles, two FA Cups and three League Cups in 620 appearances for the Anfield side.

Graeme Souness (left), Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen with the Milk Cup trophy in 1983 after defeating Manchester United in extra time. Credit: PA Images

He also won 26 caps for Scotland between 1979 and 1987 and played in the 1982 World Cup.

Following the news, current assistant manager of the national side, John Carver, sent a message of support from the Euro 2024 camp wishing Hansen well.

He said: “I would just like to pass a message on to say that everybody, the players, the staff, everybody connected with the SFA, are really thinking about himself and his family because it is an extremely difficult time.

“The biggest thing that I noticed was that he was a fantastic defender but he was a ball playing centre-half.

“He was probably one of the first that I can remember seeing play.

“The way he stepped out with the ball, he was so graceful and that’s why I remember him.

“He was obviously at one of the top sides in the world at the time, winning European Cups, winning everything in sight, so a proper legend in the game.”