Prayers for Alan Hansen as he is ‘seriously ill in hospital’ as fans of the former Liverpool star turned ‘old school pundit’ tell him ‘If anybody can fight their way back from this, it’s you’
Football fans are sending prayers to former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen, who is ‘seriously ill’ in hospital.
Liverpool last night announced their support for the family of their former captain, who won three European cups before retiring in 1991 to pursue a successful career as a television pundit.
There has been an outpouring of well wishes for the 68-year-old from former teammates, colleagues and supporters.
One fan wrote: ‘Really sad to hear that Alan Hansen is very seriously ill in hospital at the moment. I wish him a speedy recovery and my thoughts are with Alan and his family at this difficult time. If anyone can fight back against this, it’s you, Alan. I’m rooting for your friend.’
Another Liverpool fan said: ‘Desperately sad news to hear that one of my biggest heroes and legendary Liverpool icon is seriously ill. Praying for Alan Hansen and his family.”
Former Livepool captain Alan Hansen (pictured against Wolves in 1983) is ‘seriously ill’ in hospital
Fans flocked to social media with positive wishes, including one who said: “If anyone can fight back against this, it’s you, Alan.”
He signed the post with ‘YWNA’ – an acronym for Liverpool’s famous anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone, which they sing before every match at Anfield.
A third supporter wrote: ‘Fingers crossed for Alan Hansen. Quality, old-fashioned expert.’
And another, a rival Man United fan, said: ‘Wishing a speedy recovery to Alan Hansen who is seriously ill in hospital. He was a legend of the game. Regardless of your loyalty to your football teams. They’re going out the window.’
In a statement last night, Liverpool 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.
‘The club is currently in contact with Alan’s family to offer our support at this difficult time, and our thoughts, wishes and hopes are with Alan and all the Hansen family.
“We will provide further updates in due course as we receive them, and we ask that the Hansen family’s privacy is respected at this time.”
One supporter shared a video of Hansen smiling and signing autographs outside Anfield after Liverpool’s final game under Jurgen Klopp on May 19.
He said the ex-Liverpool defender was ‘in good spirits’ during his last public appearance just three weeks ago.
Hansen, known to teammates as ‘Jockey’, 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 Liverpool.
Hansen retired in 1991 to begin a successful career as a television pundit. He is pictured here on Match of The Day
Football fans are sending prayers to former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen, who is ‘seriously ill’ in hospital
Liverpool’s Scottish players from left to right, Graeme Souness, Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen celebrate with the Euopean Cup after their 1-0 win over Real Madrid at the Parc de Princes on May 27, 1981 in Paris
The defender retired from playing in 1991 and ranks in the top 10 appearances for Liverpool
He is regarded as one of the best defenders in Liverpool history due to his leadership and success with the Reds
The former Scotland defender’s former Match of the Day colleague Gary Lineker wrote on X: ‘Horrible news. Our thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family.”
The BBC’s Match of the Day account said: ‘The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Match of the Day are with Alan and his family at this difficult time.’
Ex-teammate John Aldridge, chairman of former players’ association Forever Reds, also sent a message of support.
“All our thoughts as ex-LFC players are with Alan (Jocky) Hansen and his family. Let’s hope he can get through his illness. ynwa,” he wrote on X.
Hansen’s old central defense partner and fellow Match of The Day expert Mark Lawrenson posted on
Hansen worked as a pundit at the BBC for more than twenty years before retiring in May 2014.
He has been married to his wife Janet since 1980 and they have two children, Adam and Lucy.
