Former England manager and Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan has revealed that he is battling stage four cancer, months after his family confirmed he was undergoing treatment for the illness.

The 75-year-old disclosed the diagnosis during a live appearance in Newcastle, where he received a standing ovation from supporters at the event.

Keegan explained that doctors discovered the cancer after he underwent medical scans following a car accident that required surgery.

“I was in a car accident and, through that, I had to have an operation,” he told the audience.

“Whilst having the scan for the operation, they found out I had cancer. They said they had an absolute top doctor for fighting what you have got, which is stage four cancer.”

The former England captain said he later met with a specialist who discussed a new treatment approach with him.

“He said, ‘Kevin, this new treatment, I’ve got a tremendous strike rate.’ I said, ‘What’s your strike rate?’ He said, ‘33%.’ I thought it would be 80%, 90%. 33%! I’m still here at the moment,” he said.

Keegan enjoyed a successful playing career with Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, and Newcastle United, winning several trophies and earning the European Footballer of the Year award twice.

He later moved into management, taking charge of clubs including Newcastle United, Fulham, and Manchester City, while also serving as manager of the England national team.

Keegan is widely remembered for leading Newcastle United’s entertaining side in the mid-1990s, popularly known as “The Entertainers,” which challenged for the Premier League title.

During the event, he also praised current Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and expressed his desire to return to St James’ Park, having not attended a match there since leaving the club in 2009.

Following the announcement, Newcastle United released a statement expressing support for the former player and manager.

“Kevin holds a unique and cherished place in the history of Newcastle United, and in the hearts of our supporters,” the club stated.

“Everyone at the club is behind Kevin and sends strength and best wishes to him and his family for the journey ahead.”

Keegan’s family had earlier disclosed in January that he was receiving treatment after doctors carried out further examinations into persistent abdominal symptoms. Since then, tributes and messages of support have continued to pour in from across the football community.